Lisandro Martinez will be Manchester United's third signing of the summer after a deal worth £46.5 million ($53m) was agreed with Ajax, paving the way for the Argentina international to be reunited with his former manager Erik ten Hag at Old Trafford.

Martinez became United’s top defensive target after club-mate Jurrien Timber opted to stay with the Dutch champions.

United saw off competition from Arsenal for the 24-year-old after Mikel Arteta had appeared to be leading the race for his signature.

But once Ten Hag formalised his interest, Martinez made it clear his preferred destination was a move to the Theatre of Dreams.

Here’s why United were so intent on landing him – and what his arrival means for players like Harry Maguire and Raphael Varane.

Do United need him?

On the face of it, a centre-back didn’t look like a priority, considering the number of options inherited by Ten Hag. There are central defenders at the club who were signed by Sir Alex Ferguson, Jose Mourinho and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

But the new manager made it clear he wanted to strengthen the heart of his defence during a transfer summit with football director John Murtough in Amsterdam in May.

Villarreal's Pau Torres and Timber were other options considered.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesIs he too short?

At just under 5 foot 9 inches tall (1.75 metres), Martinez is certainly not your typical centre-back – but he is in good company in terms of his diminutive stature.

Legendary Italians Franco Baresi and Fabio Cannavaro were both around the same height, while countryman and Barcelona legend, Javier Mascherano, was even shorter.

That trio represent some of the best centre-backs to ever play the game – and if Martinez turns out to be anywhere near as effective as them, there will be no complaints from United.

GettyWhat are his strengths?

Despite his height, Martinez is still effective in the air – but his real strengths are his aggression in the challenge, while he is also technically gifted on the ground, which will enable United to play out from the back.

Patient build up from defence is going to be a key part of Ten Hag’s plans and his transfer strategy this summer is to recruit players to fit into his system.

The Ten Hag effect

Arsenal thought they led the way for the 24-year-old – but Martinez made it clear his preferred move was to Old Trafford as soon as United formalised their interest.

While the pull of United may still be strong – despite their lack of success post-Ferguson – it was Martinez’s connection with Ten Hag that proved the biggest draw.

And why not? He’s already seen precisely what the new manager can do – winning two Eredivisie titles and the Dutch cup with him at Ajax.