United will pay €57m (£48.5m) guaranteed for the Argentina international defender, with a further €10m (£8.5m) in add-ons to be agreed between the two clubs. The move will see Martinez reunite with former Ajax boss Erik Ten Haag, who signed him for the club in 2019, at Old Trafford. The deal is still subject to both medical and visa requirements, with completion expected in the coming days, before he puts pen to paper on a five-year contract in Manchester, with the option of an additional 12 months, which will take him beyond 30th birthday. On Friday night, Martinez posted a photo on his Instagram account of himself and his agent on a plane with the caption “heading to Manchester”. Arsenal were also interested in the Argentina international but conceded defeat in their pursuit. While the Gunners’ style of play, along with the prospect of playing for Mikel Arteta, appealed to Martinez, he opted to move to Old Trafford instead. Around €2m of Martinez’s fee will be split between his former clubs Newell’s Old Boys and Defensa y Justicia, both based in Argentina, as part of the standard solidarity payments associated with international transfers.
Martinez offers brains, brains and versatility
Sky Sports writer Nick Wright: “Last season, Martinez averaged more passes per 90 minutes than any other Eredivisie player, while only two players made more forward passes per 90 minutes. “These numbers highlight Martinez’s ability to play through opposing lines, but he is equally adept at changing play and picking out teammates at longer distances. At Ajax last season, no player had more successful long passes per 90 minutes . “Voted Ajax’s player of the year for his role in last season’s Eredivisie title triumph, Martinez stands just 5ft 9in, making him small for a centre-back. “Last season at Ajax, he made the most clearances (29) of any player and won 79 of his 112 aerial duels, giving him a 71 per cent success rate and placing him second only to Harry Maguire between Manchester United and of Arsenal. center back. “Martinez can expect to face more demanding opposition in the Premier League, of course, but his good reading of the game also helps. He is known for anticipating forwards’ runs and positioning himself smartly to make tackles and cut-backs. “These qualities, combined with his versatility and technical ability, make him even more enticing for Premier League suitors.”
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