Erik ten Hag put his plans on hold to go on holiday after winning a third Eredivisie title in order to begin work at Manchester United.
Over the coming days, the Dutch coach will have meetings with his new club about new signings this summer, departing players and his preferred backroom staff.
Following links to Jurrien Timber, Antony and Frenkie de Jong in recent weeks, it is clear that Ten Hag is prepared to bring players he’s worked with at Ajax to United in a bid to strengthen the squad.
However, United could be looking at another player currently at Ajax.
According to the Telegraph, Lisandro Martinez has been added to the list of United targets after establishing himself as the cornerstone of Ten Hag’s defence.
The 24-year-old, who has three years left on his contract, would be expected to cost at least €30 million and he would be join the likes of Jan Vertonghen and Toby Alderweireld in leaving Ajax for the Premier League.
It is also stated in the report that Ten Hag would ideally like a quick centre-back but other prioritises include two midfielders. Another point worth making is that Martinez can also play as a defensive midfielder, so it sounds like Ten Hag is looking to bring in a couple of versatile players this summer.
Who would you like to see United sign from Ajax this summer?
I am not convinced that Ten Hag should bring any of the Ajax players into United. Van de Beek has found out how difficult it is and United may face similar issues bringing in other Ajax players. A massive rebuild is needed, and Ten Hag will be judged on results.
Ten Hag likes to play with a left footed central defender, so Martinez could be an option. Timber is a central defender who can play at right back, so would compete with Varane, Maguire, Lindelof, Bailly, Jones, Tuanzebe, Mengi.
Anthony is an option, but United have already invested in Amad and Pellistri as young right wingers and already have Elanga, Shoretire and Garnacho chomping at the bit for a chance.
De Jong has been touted for the midfield option, but he is not a defensive midfielder. He would compare (favourably) to Fred. But he does not want to play for United as they do not have Champions League to offer him. A better choice would be Ruben Neves who has already proved he can play in the Premier League.
United need (probably) two left footed centre backs. There are options available: Romagnoli of AC Milan, Torres of Villareal, Bastoni of Inter Milan, N’Dicka of Frankfurt, Inacio of Sporting, Botman of Lille and Martinez of Ajax. Romagnoli is available of a free transfer and has bags of experience but like Torres and Bastoni is he up for Europa League football ?
Telles has had an awful year and is not what United should be looking to continue with. Brandon Williams has had a year of Premier League football with Norwich and ought to be given his chance to battle Luke Shaw for the left back role.
United need two defensive midfielders. Axel Witzel is available of a free transferand would allow a season for United to concentrate on other areas before looking at landing Declan Rice. Boubacar Kamara is also available on a free transfer, but would he settle for Europa League football, Ibrahim Sangare is a young defensive midfielder with PSV Eindhoven and would help stabilise the midfield for years to come.
Two defensive midfielders would allow McTominay and Fred to play as midfielders, whilst Fernandes and Van de Beek could be the attacking midfielders. James Garner and Hannibal Mejbri would offer youth a chance.
Further up the field, United need two attackers. Osimhen would cost mega money from Napoli, whilst Martinez of Inter Milan is a much better alternative and, because Inter Milan need money, could be available for £70,million. Darwin Nunez of Benfica is another option, and may be available for £55,million. The problem with all three is, would they want to play Europa League football.