Martinez played at Ajax under Erik ten Hag and becomes the United manager’s third signing after Tyrell Malasia and Christian Eriksen. United retain interest in Ajax striker Anthony and continue to pursue Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong. Martínez, a left centre-back who can also operate as a defensive midfielder or left-back, has won the Dutch league in the last two seasons. The 24-year-old has seven caps. He told United’s website: “It’s an honor to join this great football club. I’ve worked so hard to get to this moment and, now that I’m here, I’m going to push myself even harder. “I’ve been lucky enough to be part of successful teams in my career and I want to continue that at Manchester United. It will be a lot of work to get to that moment, but I firmly believe that, under the coach and the coaches, and together with my new team-mates, we can do it. “I want to thank Ajax and their fans for all the support they have given me. I had an amazing time there, but I feel like it’s the right time to test myself in another environment. Now I’m at the perfect club to do that.”
