Posted by Erik ten Hag, the manager of Manchester United, has admitted that Lisandro Martinez pleaded with him (ten Hag) to sign him for the Red Devils.
The Argentine, according to the Dutchman, was the one to arrange for his summer transfer to Old Trafford.
Martinez joined Manchester United from Ajax in July in a transaction costing £57 million, and he contributed to Argentina’s World Cup victory on Sunday.
The 24-year-old was being pursued by Arsenal when Manchester United caught up to him.
According to Ten Hag, Martinez intended to leave Ajax on his own accord, according to the Dutch daily Voetbal International.
“He would have gone to Arsenal if we hadn’t taken him. He was their top priority there; they wanted him nonetheless.
“At one point, Lizca [Martinez] called me and said, ‘Boss, listen, I’m leaving Ajax anyhow. I’ll come to Manchester United if you want me, even though I can sign with Arsenal.