Martinez Signing Finally Shows Some Intent from United

Yesterday Manchester United announced they agreed a deal with Ajax for the purchase of Argentinian centre-back Lisandro Martinez, around 46 million pounds on a five-year deal. After brief interest from Arsenal too, United have secured their man, much to the delight of Erik Ten Hag, who will be reunited with his former player after their period together at Ajax. The deal itself presents another addition to the back four, after the signing of Tyrell Malacia not long ago. There has clearly been a more attentive need towards the transfers this season, although the signings of Ronaldo, Varane and Sancho looked good on paper, the appointment of Ten Hag has given the 3 signings this season a different feeling. It seems as though the board have seen this as their last chance at getting the club back to where it belongs. It what has now become a routine system of hiring and firing, ensuring that ETH is backed at all costs with whatever he requires is essential for the stability of the club, the squad and the results on the pitch. Ten Hag has identified Malacia, Eriksen and now Martinez as players that will fit the system he is attempting to implement at United, this is arguably one of the most important decisions that have to be made. Buying players that are suitable and not purely for shirt sales, look at Pogba, Di Maria, Falcao and Sanchez, these are just a few transfers that have been serious regrets. Martinez especially will seem like a natural fit, finally giving the team a left footed centre back will add some balance to the back four, his passing ability and technqiue will provide some important fundamentals in the build up play too. Nicknamed 'The Butcher' whilst at Ajax, the Argentine brings a bit more of a ruthless streak in comparison to a Maguire or Lindelof. It's needed in the team and not just the defence. Too many of the players are a soft touch and let things pass them by, steel is needed if a team is to succeed and push through challenges (which I'm sure United will encounter many in the coming season). There are still tons of improvements that have to be made and issues addressed, will Frenkie de Jong be putting on a red shirt this season or not? If he isn't then the club need to accept that and find a replacement. Going on a wild goose chase for a player who isn't dead set on the club is naive and exactly what shouldn't be happening. Someone like Ruben Neves should be snapped up if the De Jong deal hits a red light. The first half of the Melbourne Victory game was another indication why a player like De Jong is needed. With the Australian side sitting deep, the likes of Fred, McTominay, Lindelof and Maguire all lacked that creative ability to break down a defensive team and create serious chances. This has been a common theme over the past few seasons. Although there have been some positives shown in pre-season, such as the talent of Zidane Iqbal, United fans must not race ahead of themselves, a 4-0 win over Liverpool means nothing at this moment in time. Ten Hag has a long way to go to get this squad in tip top condition and where he wants them to be. For now, trust the process, and most importantly, back the manager.