Erik ten Hag was questioned internally over £46m Man United signing who has turned into ‘absolute monster’

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Erik ten Hag has faced criticism over his transfers at Manchester United but there have been more hits than misses.

There was a clear change in transfer strategy at Manchester United with Ineos taking charge of their first summer transfer window.

The club struck five major deals and targeted young players with plenty of potential to improve during their time at Old Trafford.

It was reported by The Independent that Ineos wanted to water down Erik ten Hag‘s involvement in transfers at United after the takeover. The Dutchman has been criticised for prioritising deals for players he has worked with before.

Six out of the 22 signings made under Ten Hag have previously worked with him, including summer arrivals Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui.

Erik ten Hag insisted on Lisandro Martinez deal

During his first summer at the club, one of the first deals made under Ten Hag was the £46m signing of Ajax defender Lisandro Martinez.

However, Ten Hag’s former assistant Steve McClaren has now admitted that there were big question marks internally over interest in Martinez before the Dutchman insisted on signing him.

When asked why Ten Hag prefers signing players he has previously worked with, McClaren told The Telegraph: “First, the way he wanted to play. Two, the players that were available. Three, knowing he didn’t have a lot of time at United to get things going.

“Martinez at the beginning, [it was a case of] are you sure? Yes, he was. Because he knows the way Erik wants to play.

“I have done the same as a manager. Going into a club trying to instil something, I always wanted two or three I have worked with previously. You need followers and people who believe in what you are doing. There is a list of five [potential signings] and you pick the one that you know.”

Lisandro Martinez has silenced critics at Man United

The signing of Martinez was immediately criticised by English media, with many writing off his chances of succeeding in the Premier League because of his height.

Jamie Carragher was one of Martinez’s biggest critics, but the Liverpool legend backtracked after a brilliant pitchside interview at the start of the season.

Martinez has also made a positive impression on his teammates with Luke Shaw describing him as an “absolute monster”.

READ MORE: Lisandro Martinez names one Man Utd legend he’d love to play with, he didn’t even hesitate

The 26-year-old has turned out to be a spectacular signing and a fan favourite at Old Trafford due to his tenacity and passion for the club.

Martinez returned to his “monstrous” best this season and is beginning to form a strong centre-back relationship with De Ligt.

Not all of Ten Hag’s signings have been successful, but Martinez is right up there as one of the best since Sir Alex Ferguson retired.