Talks are ongoing over a £46m deal which would see Martinez become United’s second-most expensive centre-back signing of all time, behind Harry Maguire. This deal will play an absolutely pivotal role in Erik ten Hag’s rebuild, showing that he wants to shake up the club’s defensive options and change the style of play. It would be easy to rely on the talented foursome of Raphael Varane, Harry Maguire, Victor Lindelof and Eric Bailly, who as individuals have all their strengths. But as a unit, they weren’t good enough. Ten Haag plans to shake it up. READ MORE: Manchester United transfers confirmed, ins, outs, loanees, releases for 2022/23
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Martinez could be a crucial signing
United’s defense conceded 58 goals in 38 league games last season and an awful return, the worst in the club’s history in the Premier League, and for added context, more than Burnley – who were relegated. Ten Haag chooses to make a major change and Martinez represents this in two different ways that will change Manchester United’s style of play. Martinez would become United’s most attacking and forward-thinking defender in terms of style. His idol is Gabriel Heinze, which speaks for itself in terms of how he enjoys physical combat. FBRef ranks him in the top 2 percent of defenders for tackles won per 90 Concerns about his height are overblown. At 5ft 9″ he has a big leap, anticipates challenges early and won 3.3 aerial duels per game last season, per WhoScored, more than any Manchester United player. The trio of Maguire, Varane and Lindelof is almost ‘too nice’. Martinez would be more similar to Sergio Ramos in style, to complement Varane. He would bring more balance to the defense. United’s best defensive partnership in recent years has been Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic. United have players in Ferdinand’s mould, but none quite like Vidic. Martinez would fill that void.
Martinez is an excellent passer
The area of Martinez’s game where he will have the biggest impact is his ability on the ball. This will really change Manchester United for the better as Erik ten Hag already knows how to use it for the good of the team. Martinez’s passing numbers are elite. According to FBRef, he ranks in the top 1 percent of defenders in Europe for number of passes completed per 90 and total passing distance. He also ranks in the top 1 percent for defenders passing the ball into the final third, and through balls, and in the top 2 percent for passes into the penalty area. Most of those passes are on the ground, rather than long balls, and he averages 1.38 shot creating actions per 90, excellent for a central defender. Martinez is strong under pressure, ranking in the top 6 percent for successful passes under pressure. He is also particularly strong at dribbling the ball out of defence, ranking in the top 1 per cent for total and progressive carry distance and in the top six per cent for successful dribbles. Photo by ANP via Getty Images
Erik ten Hag can continue his development
Erik ten Hag signed Martinez as a replacement for Matthijs de Ligt and he has arguably become an even more complete central defender than the Juventus star. Ten Haag can help Martinez continue his development as a player and the defender will help his coach at this new club. The importance of having a trusted presence is also crucial for Ten Haag amid a dressing room that was supposedly broken last season. Martinez is a player he knows will not be turned against him. Ten Haag knows exactly how he wants to play and while most United players will be learning on the job, Martinez is already well aware of his new manager’s demands. This is why Martinez could be a crucial signing for Erik ten Hag as he looks to turn Manchester United around and rebuild the team in his own way. Dan still wonders what would have happened if United had kept Juan Veron… James Garner has appeared back at United training in Australia
