Erik ten Hag reveals Lisandro Martinez’s Arsenal plan before Man United transfer

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has confirmed that Lisandro Martinez told him he’d join Arsenal if he left Ajax unless he wanted him at Old Trafford.

Ten Hag joined Man United over the summer as a permanent replacement to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, who was sacked as Manchester United boss last year November.

The Dutchman made some signings over the summer in a bid to speed up his chances of taking the club back to the top and among the signings he made, Ten Hag lured Martinez from Ajax to the Theatre of Dreams.

The Argentina international was strongly linked with a move to Arsenal but eventually left Ajax for United after the Red Devils showed strong interest in his services.

Ten Hag has confirmed that it was his influence that made Martinez snub Arsenal for a move to Manchester United.

Speaking ahead of tonight’s game against Burnley in the Carabao Cup, the former Ajax manager said: “If we hadn’t taken him [Lisandro Martinez], he would have gone to Arsenal.

“They wanted him anyway; he was top priority there. Licha called me at one point: ‘Coach, listen, I’m leaving Ajax anyway. I can sign with Arsenal but if you want me, I’ll go to Manchester United.”

Martinez won the Qatar World Cup after Argentina beat France 4-2 on penalties.