Erik ten Hag's fantasy Manchester United's starting XI has been confirmed as the club's third summer signing.
Lisandro Martinez has become the third signing of the Erik ten Hag era at Manchester United, as his new team begins to take shape ahead of his first season at the club.
Following Lisandro Martinez's arrival at the club following an agreement with Ajax, new Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag is starting to see his team line-up for his first season in charge take shape.
The arrival of the Argentine international follows the signings of Tyrell Malacia from Feyenoord and Christian Eriksen as a free agent after his contract at Brentford expired.
United and Barcelona have also agreed on an initial transfer fee for midfielder Frenkie de Jong. While the transfer has not yet been completed, United will not give up hope of adding the Dutch international to their squad before the start of the new season next month.
Ten Hag is keen to reunite with Ajax forward Antony, who was the Dutch club's star player last season, and is said to be leading United's attacking transfer targets. United are said to be in pole position to sign the Brazilian due to his strong relationship with United manager Jose Mourinho at the Amsterdam Arena, and the player's representatives recently traveled to Europe to discuss a possible summer transfer.
De Jong and Antony's arrivals are likely to be more complicated than the three deals United have already completed, but they would cap off a perfect first summer for Ten Hag, who now appears to have the strongest line-up at his disposal.
Malacia's arrival would provide competition for Luke Shaw and Alex Telles in all outfield positions. It is unclear whether the Dutch international will be the first choice in the position, but it could signal a shift in the left side of defense.
Martinez spent almost all of last season as a left-sided central defender under Ten Hag, with his ability to play out from the back and his aerial ability - despite his height - making him valuable in that position. The coach's insistence on his signing suggests that he will be a starter next season, raising the question of whether he will play in the heart of the defense alongside Harry Maguire or Raphael Varane.
Victor Lindelof would still be a candidate, while Eric Bailly, Axel Tuanzebe, and Phil Jones are all likely to be available for transfer. Maguire, the club captain, is expected to be a regular starter in Ten Hag's defense. Diogo Dalot is expected to keep his right-back spot ahead of Aaron Wan-Bissaka.
After relying on Fred and Scott McTominay in midfield, the arrivals of Eriksen and, theoretically, De Jong would revolutionize the midfield options. Paul Pogba, Nemanja Matic, and Andreas Pereira have all left the club, so it is likely that De Jong will be joined by another midfielder, with Fred the most likely to complement the Dutchman due to his work rate, willingness to get forward, and passing ability.
Martinez might also play holding midfield alongside De Jong or another player, with Maguire and Varane continuing their central defensive partnership from last season. The addition of the Argentine expands the number of possible combinations for Ten Hag's core.
In strike, Bruno Fernandes and Jadon Sancho are likely to remain starters, with Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial also competing for playing time. The arrival of Antony would almost certainly mean that the Brazilian is used on the right side of the attack, with Sancho switching to the left, where Rashford is most comfortable.
Cristiano Ronaldo's future will also play a role; if the Portuguese superstar leaves, first-team opportunities for Martial, Rashford, and Alejandro Garnacho would be increased in a more fluid front three.
Man United's preliminary lineup for the 2022/23 season is as follows: De Gea, Dalot, Maguire, Varane, Malacia, De Jong, Eriksen, Antony, Fernandes, Sancho, and Ronaldo
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