As Lisandro Martinez appears poised to finalize his move to Manchester United, Rio Ferdinand has identified two possible issues with the center defender.
Ferdinand, whose defensive tandem with Nemanja Vidic was named the best in the Premier League, is the person who best understands what it takes to be a center back at United.
The former England captain is familiar with United because he was ranked as the club's 11th best player in its history at Old Trafford.
That makes him the ideal candidate to evaluate Ajax defender Martinez because, only months after the Dutchman departed Ajax, he is about to reunite with him.
Martinez should shortly join United. Picture
Ferdinand thinks the 24-year-old Argentine defender, who can also play left back and defensive midfield, is a good addition but also pointed out two flaws in his game. Arsenal was also interested in the player.
Ferdinand stated on his Five YouTube channel, "I think he's a good signing. The more I have looked into him, the better.
"I listened to [Jurrien] Timber [a previous United target] and he said, "I wasn't at my game at a specific point and Martinez constantly shouts at me" — so he has that aspect of leadership.
"He will demand of others what United have long needed.
He can play and is very muscular and aggressive.
"His height and pace are question marks; they are the just two."
Ten Hag and Martinez have previously collaborated. Martinez, who is just five feet tall, is shorter than most center backs "9, which is less than Daley Blind, an Ajax colleague who was frequently regarded as short when at United.
He has previously demonstrated that it won't stop him, and fans were thrilled by a video of him lately marking Erling Haaland, a new player for Manchester City.
Additionally, he has displayed some deft footwork, and Ferdinand thinks it could aid United against weaker competition—possibly even in midfield.
Will Martinez eventually take Harry Maguire's place? Picture
"I believe there will be a combination of defensive midfield and center backs." I read that Ten Hag's aide had expressed amazement at how well he had performed there. The former West Ham player continued, "I think they can mix it up with him and he can bring protection to the defense."
"But if we're playing against a weaker team where we'll see more of the ball and control possession, he may slip back into the center of defense position - he gives us the option in which we're lacking in that area," the coach said.
Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof have once again been criticised for mistakes against Melbourne Victory, highlighting United's troubles at center back.
Due to the pair's errors, the Australian team gained an advantage, but United at least rallied to win the match 4-1; perhaps Martinez's acquisition will allow them to stop having to make up for errors all the time.
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