Erik ten Hag‘s first summer in charge saw Manchester United make five permanent signings, who have all become key figures in his squad.
One of the stars has been Lisandro Martinez, who Ten Hag previously signed at Ajax. He knew exactly what the Argentine would bring to the team.
But just signing a centre-back was something Ten Hag had to fight for, report The Times, as this was not on the club’s immediate agenda.
A report released over the weekend claims Manchester United had only planned to sign a left-sided centre-back in the summer of 2023, rather than 2022.
Ten Hag reportedly insisted it was a priority, and made the case for Martinez to be his number one target.
United eventually paid a high fee for the Ajax defender, who has since been worth every penny.
READ: Confirmed Manchester United transfers in, out, loan deals for January 2023
One of Ten Hag’s first victories
Part of the reason Ten Hag has been a success at United is that he has control of the club’s transfer dealings, unlike previous managers David Moyes, Louis van Gaal and Jose Mourinho.
While it is a collaborative approach rather than an authoritarian one from Ten Hag, it is the Dutchman who has the final say, and key influence.
If he wants a left-sided centre-back, he gets a left-sided centre-back. This has allowed him to shape the squad he wants, in terms of player profile and ability, as well as signing the right personalities.
Former boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer allowed key areas to go unaddressed. If the board said ‘wait until next year’ for a defensive midfielder, he waited. Ultimately this may have cost him his job.
Ten Hag knew United’s defence needed strengthening, and the fact United were prepared to wait, was ludicrous enough, after such a terrible season in 2021/22.
Having won the argument to sign a new centre-back, it was important Martinez was a success. Ten Hag will have know, he did not have to worry.
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