How do you see this lineup – Three ways Manchester United could line up following Lisandro Martinez announcement

Erik ten Hag is trying to bolster his backline, and Manchester United are close to signing Lisandro Martinez.

Manchester United have revealed that they will sign Lisandro Martinez this summer as part of their summer rebuilding under new manager Erik ten Hag.

The Dutchman is eager to pursue targets familiar to him, with United already having signed Feyenoord full-back Tyrell Malacia and continuing to pursue former Ajax star, Frenkie de Jong.

Christian Eriksen’s recent signing makes him the Ten Hag era’s second new addition, and Martinez is poised to be the third after United agreed on a cost with Ajax that might reach £55.3 million. Martinez is mostly a center-back, but he can also play other positions.

Martinez’s most obvious job next season would be in a defensive pairing with either Harry Maguire or Raphael Varane.

In an ideal scenario, it would be with Varane, but considering his troubling injury record, it’s more probable that he’ll be paired with the club captain.

Ten Hag is interested in Martinez because he is left-footed and has a terrific passing range to help them play out from the back, so it makes sense to keep him in the squad as the left-sided central defender.

Martinez plays fullback.

Martinez’s versatility is a significant plus, and he also has the option of filling in at left-back if needed, though that seems unlikely now that Malacia has arrived.

Martinez could be considered the club’s third-choice left-back if Alvaro Fernandez leaves on loan this summer and Alex Telles is sold, so he could still make an appearance there on occasion.

Those minutes are more likely to occur as part of a tactical transition during a game than being chosen to play there from the start, but it is certainly a useful trait to have.

Martinez plays in the defensive midfield.

The most intriguing prospect is that Martinez can fill United’s need for a defensive midfielder this summer, having received important experience playing there under Ten Hag at Ajax.

The 24-year-old is far from the established midfield anchor that many supporters are hoping for, but he could absolutely fill in if no one else is available.