Why did Manchester United compete with Arsenal for £55 million, Lisandro Martinez?

Arsenal struck first, but United responded more forcefully and reached a deal with Ajax that the player quickly accepted.

Martinez, 24, will sign a five-year contract with a one-year option with United for roughly £47 million (€55 million) and an extra £8.5 million (€10 million) inconceivable add-ons.

Ajax acknowledged that after add-ons and other factors are considered, the transfer's total price might reach £57 million.

Richard Arnold, the Chief Executive of Manchester United, and John Murtough, the football director, travelled to Amsterdam last week to complete negotiations. Edwin van der Sar, the Chief operating officer of Ajax, played a vital role on the Dutch side.

In the summer, Erik ten Hag swiftly identified the 24-year-old as a key target after moving from the Eredivisie champions to the Premier League giants.

He now has his man, with the Red Devils adding a player to their defensive line who will be anxious to make an impression in a new setting—especially with the 2022 World Cup drawing near.

With the club open to bids for Eric Bailly and Phil Jones, Manchester United sees Martinez primarily as a centre-back to bring a different competition to Harry Maguire, Raphael Varane, and Victor Lindelof.

Ten Hag favours athletes he is familiar with and can rely on. He once temporarily benched Martinez at a trying time, but the player responded and quickly took his spot back. Ten Hag found Martinez to have the mindset he needs.

Martinez has given Ajax a competitive edge in terms of playing style that it lacked. Without him, they are frequently less aggressive. One match, in particular, stands out: Ajax's Champions League match against Borussia Dortmund at home in October.

After his team's 4-0 victory, Ten Hag made a point of thanking Martinez in the locker room because he defeated Erling Haaland in all of their contests.

Martinez's adaptability was a powerful lure for Mikel Arteta at Arsenal, however. His versatility as a defensive midfielder, left-sided centre-back, and left-back increased his appeal.

When deciding on summer goals a few months ago, Manchester United did not place centre-back at the top of their priority list. However, Ten Hag's presence altered the situation and gave Martinez more notoriety.

The scouting staff had been keeping an eye on Pau Torres as a potential left-footed centre-back, but Ten Hag had preferred a player he was confident could play the way he desired.

John Murtough is supporting Ten Hag's judgement in this matter and has done so throughout the increasingly difficult negotiations with Ajax. Ten Hag's request brought the player to United, and it is unclear how he will now organise his defence.

Who else have Manchester United planned to sign this season

Recent weeks have seen a lot of attention focused on Cristiano Ronaldo and his desire to join a rival team that is actively pursuing trophies.

However, United is working hard to add more players, with Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong long considered at the top of their summer shopping list.

The Dutch coach is closing in on a deal to sign the international for the Netherlands from Barcelona, who is another player Ten Hag is familiar with from his time at Ajax, along with several other players with ties to the Eredivisie giants.

Although Brazilian forward Antony was said to be moving from Amsterdam to Manchester, Jurrien Timber seems likely to stay in the Netherlands.

Tyrell Malacia, a highly regarded 22-year-old left-back who recently completed his transition from Feyenoord, has been signed by Ten Hag, who has struggled to lure a right-back to Old Trafford.

Additionally, Christian Eriksen has finished moving from Brentford on a free transfer, and a backup goalkeeper may be added now that Dean Henderson has left on loan for Nottingham Forest.