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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Sport
George Smith

Lisandro Martinez has already explained what he will bring to Manchester United

Lisandro Martinez has already detailed the fighting mentality that he will bring to Old Trafford amid his impending arrival at Manchester United.

As reported by the Manchester Evening News, the Argentine, who can operate at centre-back, left-back and in defensive-midfield, has arrived in England to complete his proposed move from Dutch giants Ajax. United are understood to have reached a £46million agreement to sign the 24-year-old.

Martinez, who scooped Ajax's Player of the Year gong last term, will now undergo a medical and attempt to secure a visa. Even though the Reds are optimistic that they will get the deal over the line by early next week, he is not expected to link up with the squad in Australia for the remainder of the pre-season tour.

READ MORE: Christian Eriksen explains why he is joining United

Like Christian Eriksen, whose move to United was confirmed on Friday, he could make his United debut when they face Atletico Madrid in Oslo on July 30. That means that he is likely to meet his new team-mates and train with the squad in the week commencing July 25.

Martinez will bring United's search for a centre-back to a close, with several candidates having been linked with moves to Old Trafford in recent months, not least Villarreal's Pau Torres. However, United's hierarchy have backed Ten Hag and his pursuit of Martinez, opposed to the recruitment depart, who felt Torres was the right option.

Ten Hag knows Martinez well from his time in charge at Ajax and the latter has already made it crystal clear what he will add to the Dutchman's squad. He is renowned for his fighting spirit and leaving everything out on the pitch.

"I am called the Canisero - the Butcher of Amsterdam," said Martinez, speaking in a recent interview. "We Argentines do everything with passion - and when I go out on the pitch I fight for every ball.

"If I have to step over dead bodies I do it. I want to win every 50-50 situation because I know that I am fighting for food for every member of my family and for my friends. That is the feeling I have - and every Argentinian has. It is the kind of motivation I cannot explain."

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