Manchester United head coach Erik ten Hag has revealed that Lisandro Martinez would have joined Arsenal over the summer if the Red Devils did not bring him to Old Trafford.
The Argentina international starred for Ajax during his three seasons at the club, and he was again a vital player for the Dutch giants during the 2021-22 campaign, featuring on 37 occasions in all competitions.
There was a host of speculation surrounding the centre-back's future in the early stages of the summer transfer window, with Arsenal thought to be in a strong position to sign him.
However, Man United ultimately signed him towards the end of July, and the 24-year-old has impressed at Old Trafford, cementing himself as Ten Hag's first-choice centre-back.
Martinez has made 21 appearances at club level this term, with 14 of those outings coming in the Premier League.
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Meanwhile, he has just helped Argentina win the 2022 World Cup, with the centre-back making five appearances at the competition in Qatar.
Ten Hag has revealed that Martinez contacted him over the summer to urge him to sign him for the 20-time English champions.
"Martinez himself wanted to leave Ajax. If we hadn't taken him, he would have gone to Arsenal. They wanted him anyway, he was top priority there," Ten Hag told Voetbal International.
"Licha called me at one point: 'Trainer, listen, I'm leaving Ajax anyway. I can sign with Arsenal, but if you want me, I'm going to Manchester United'. I thought I shouldn't shoot myself and United in the foot.
"He really wouldn't stay in Amsterdam, that was out of the question. Then we struck and it all worked out."
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Martinez will not be involved in Wednesday's EFL Cup clash with Burnley, as he has been given time off following his involvement in the World Cup.
The South American is also a major doubt for his side's next Premier League contest, which is against Nottingham Forest on December 27.
Fellow centre-back Raphael Varane is also absent due to his involvement in the World Cup final, leaving Ten Hag short of options in that area of the field at this stage of the season.
Harry Maguire represented England at the tournament in Qatar, but the Three Lions were knocked out in the quarter-finals, while Victor Lindelof has had an extended break, as Sweden failed to qualify for the finals.
Matt Law
