Lisandro Martinez can play in FOUR positions at Man Utd, from Harry Maguire replacement to midfield ‘butcher’

LISANDRO MARTINEZ could solve several problems for Erik ten Hag at Manchester United.

The Argentine, 24, completed a £55million move to Old Trafford on Monday.

And although he is primarily a centre-back, Martinez could fulfil a number of roles at his new club.

The former Ajax star is incredibly versatile and will offer Ten Hag a lot of options, allowing the Dutchman to vary formations and tactics.

Ten Hag has continued United’s familiar 4-2-3-1 formation in pre-season so far and Martinez will likely play on the left side of central defence in that system.

But that means either captain Harry Maguire or Raphael Varane would have to make way for the new arrival.

If Ten Hag wants to play both he could switch to a back three/five with Luke Shaw and Aaron Wan-Bissaka operating as wing-backs.

Martinez can also fulfil the wing-back role if necessary – but Ten Hag is unlikely to deploy that formation straight away since he rarely used it at Ajax.

The new United boss could also play Martinez alongside Maguire and Varane in central defence, or at left-back.

Shaw has featured in that role in pre-season friendlies against Liverpool and Melbourne Victory but his injury record has been unreliable since joining United.

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Martinez is also capable of playing in midfield and was signed for that position by Ten Hag at Ajax.

The Dutchman wanted Martinez to act as his midfield enforcer – to be tough in the tackle and keep things simple in possession.

That means Martinez could work perfectly alongside fellow summer signing Christian Eriksen or Donny van de Beek, who would provide creativity in a number eight role just behind Bruno Fernandes.

Martinez will certainly be up for the physical challenge of the Premier League and would add something different to midfielders Fred and Scott McTominay.

However, he ended up becoming a star centre-back for Ten Hag’s Dutch title-winning teams, despite his smaller stature, playing every game there last season.

The 5ft 9in star even earned the nickname “butcher” due to his tenacity for Ajax and his passion in fighting for the ball.

When asked about the nickname, Martinez said: “I am called the carnicero – the Butcher – of Amsterdam.

“We Argentines do everything with passion and when I go out on the pitch I fight for every ball. If I have to step over dead bodies, I do it.

“I want to win every 50-50 situation because I know that I am fighting for food for every member of my family and for my friends.

“That is the feeling I have – and every Argentinian has. It is the kind of motivation I cannot explain.”