After a slow and frustrating start to the summer transfer window, business is finally starting to pick up for Manchester United.
Erik ten Hag had only managed to add left-back Tyrell Malacia to his squad before United flew out East for their pre-season tour, but a second signing was finally secured on Friday in the form of Christian Eriksen. The playmaker has moved to Old Trafford on a free transfer after leaving Brentford and has signed until 2025.
The wait for another new addition won't be nearly as long, either, as United are also closing in on the signing of defender Lisandro Martinez in a £46million move. The Ajax centre-back is currently in Manchester to complete his medical before putting pen to paper on a five-year deal.
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Ten Hag has finally been able to strengthen his defensive ranks with Martinez, though the Argentine and Eriksen won't link up with their new teammates until they return from their tour a week on Monday. With Martinez not being involved in the upcoming pre-season friendlies against Crystal Palace and Aston Villa, he has plenty of time to pick out his new shirt number and there are some good options available to him.
No.6
The No.6 was vacated this summer after Paul Pogba departed the club and as a traditional centre-back number, this may be the most likely pick for Martinez. The 24-year-old previously donned the number for his national side and old team Defensa y Justicia.
No.13
The exit of reserve goalkeeper Lee Grant means that No.13 is available. It is usually a number selected by backup shot-stoppers but Park Ji-sung made it his own during his time at the club.
No.14
Martinez wore the No.14 at his first club Newell's Old Boys and also at Under-20 level for Argentina, which could make it another option for him. The number is free after Jesse Lingard's spell with the club came to an end last month.
No.15
Andreas Pereira's departure from Old Trafford, as he made a permanent switch to Fulham this week, means No.15 is available again. It's a number synonymous with a legendary United centre-back in Nemanja Vidic.
No.18
No.18 is up for grabs after Bruno Fernandes finally got his wish and took his favoured No.8 after Juan Mata left the club. Paul Scholes became a club legend wearing the jersey.
No.21
If he could get his way, Martinez may well go for No.21 as he has worn it for the duration of his four years at Ajax. However, the number may be being reserved for top target Frenkie de Jong, as it's the midfielder's favourite.
No.24
Martinez has also worn No.24 in the past, for two seasons at Defensa y Justicia, so may opt for it again at Old Trafford. It's been free for a year at United, having previously been worn by Timothy Fosu-Mensah and, most notably, Darren Fletcher.
Other numbers below 40 available: 30, 31, 32, 35.
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