Jaap Stam says Lisandro Martinez will change Manchester United’s style of playing

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Manchester United are hoping to soon close a deal for centre-back Lisandro Martinez.

The Mirror says Martinez is determined to sign for United amid the Red Devils’ persistent efforts to sign him.

Former United centre-back Jaap Stam has given Martinez his seal of approval, and believes his style of play is going to be crucial to helping manager Erik ten Hag.

Stam believes the duo of Martinez and Tyrell Malacia, who he managed at Feyenoord, will help Ten Hag transform United.

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Jaap Stam says Lisandro Martinez will change Manchester United’s style

Stam says Martinez’s lack of height is not important, with his other traits more beneficial to his success.

The 1999 Treble winner told AD.nl: “I have become a fan of his. I think he’s a fantastic guy, with a good temperament and a winning mentality. For trainers, those are great players to work with.

“You can clearly see that Ten Hag’s approach is to dominate matches and control the opponent’s half. Then you play with a lot of space in the back and you need players who are reasonably fast and not afraid to cover. Malacia has that and Martínez certainly.

“What’s important is that a defender has cleverness. Quickly read where the ball goes, a little nudge or push. Then you don’t even have to get into duels. Martínez has also developed that.

“Martínez is very skilled and creative in his passing. The more he has such players, the more Ten Hag can keep the ball and the less he encounters counters.”

United already have three first team centre-backs, Harry Maguire, Raphael Varane and Victor Lindelof, plus Eric Bailly and Axel Tuanzebe as back-up options.

But after conceding a staggering 58 goals in 38 league games last season, it’s clear the Red Devils’ defence need some improvement. Part of that is on Erik ten Hag and his coaching staff to turn it around, and some of it is down to personnel changes being required.

Martinez is a solution which is a bit of both. He is a fresh face, and one Erik ten Hag knows he can rely on to implement his preferred style of football, and he is also a leader he can rely upon in the dressing room.

Negotiations with Ajax are dragging on, and United cannot allow another week to go by without resolution. It’s important to get the defender in as soon as possible, so he can link up with the rest of the squad.