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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Sport
Jack Flintham

Lisandro Martinez's agent explains why Manchester United signed defender ahead of Arsenal

Lisandro Martinez's agent has claimed that Erik ten Hag played a factor in the defender's decision to choose Manchester United over Arsenal.

Martinez had been linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium in the summer as the Gunners looked to improve their back line. However, when United declared their interest in the Argentine, the 25-year-old chose to make the switch to Old Trafford.

Now Bas Schothorst, one of Martinez's representatives at Essel Sports, has explained his client's thought process in the summer. Speaking to Voetbal Primeur, Schothorst said: "[Martinez’s departure] was a process of several months.

ALSO READ: Martinez explains celebration after first United goal

"We had contact with various top clubs and, in the end, Ten Hag’s presence at United played an important role. That makes sense.

"Ten Hag knows him, has worked with him [at Ajax] and knows what he can do with Martinez. It is of course great to see that this leads to his current achievements.

"On the other hand, Arsenal is also a great club. But you have to make a choice, it is difficult."

Martinez has since become a fan favourite at Old Trafford with the centre-back being widely praised for his performance. At the end of 2022, readers of the Manchester Evening News voted for the defender to be named the club's Player of the Year.

It was not always rosy for Martinez at the Theatre of Dreams though. At the beginning, critics of the centre-back claimed that he lacked the physical prowess to make it in the Premier League.

But after a shaky opening couple of matches, Martinez has managed to settle into his new surroundings, going on to make 27 appearances for the Reds. Next up for United is Nottingham Forest in the Carabao Cup semi-final first leg.

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