Erik ten Hag is one of the frontrunners to be the permanent manager of Manchester United. The Red Devils had to sack Ole Gunner Solskjaer after a string of poor results. They hired Ralf Rangnick as their interim coach till the end of the season. Although the results have improved, there doesn’t seem as much development as expected.
The new manager coming in will have a lot of expectations from the fans. Mauricio Pochettino and Erik ten Hag are two names that have emerged as the favorites to take over at Manchester United. Pochettino was linked with United previously when they sacked Mourinho, however, due to Solskjaer’s remarkable interim job he was appointed as the permanent manager.
Erik ten Hag is one of the best managers available in Europe. He has helped Ajax reach the semi-finals of the Champions League while beating Real Madrid and Juventus on the way. There are no signs of slowing down for this year’s Ajax also as they sit on top of the Eredivisie and are in the round of 16 of the UEFA Champions League.
Although Rangnick has supported the club captain Harry Maguire publicly, he doesn’t seem to be confident about the player. Ten Hag may opt to bring a few players who are familiar to him and have worked with them. The Dutchman may also not see Harry Maguire as the right man for the job and could use a little help from his players currently at Ajax.
Who could Ten Hag bring to replace Harry Maguire at Manchester United?
Harry Maguire does not have the speed to catch up to the pacey forwards and also makes mistakes quite often that have cost United a lot in recent times. If Manchester United appoints Erik ten Hag, he might have a look at his own Ajax squad to sign a few players. Currently United needs a defensive midfielder, a striker, and also a center back if the funds allow doing so.
Lisandro Martinez could be a great option for Ten Hag to sign him at Manchester United. The Argentine has been a very important player for Ajax this season. Despite being 5’9, Martinez deals plays as the center-back with the help of his excellent technical and game reading abilities. He used to play as a defensive midfielder initially but has turned into a proper center-back for his team.
He makes 1.8 tackles, 1.9 interceptions per game, and also 2.9 clearances per game. Moreover, he also attempts 5.1 long balls per game with a 90.1% pass success percentage. Despite being a center-back, he has four assists and one goal while also taking 1.3 shots per game (stats via whoscored). He is very capable of building attacks from the back which is what United are not so good at currently.
Lisandro Martinez has a value of £28.8 million which seems fair for what he offers to the club. The 24-year-old defender has a lot to play in his career and can certainly progress a lot under Erik ten Hag. Moreover, playing for Manchester United will also give him the experience of playing in a top club with immense pressure. He will also thrive if he is surrounded by better players who can take him under their wing.
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