Martinez: Ten Hag on top of 'every detail'

The Argentina defender has completed his move from Ajax and claimed the pull of United was something that attracts every player in world football.

 

But Martinez did not deny that Ten Hag's influence was also a key motivating element, after three productive years under the Dutchman in Amsterdam.

“I was with him three years at Ajax and I know his style of playing,” began Martinez. 

 

“With him, I improved a lot, to be honest. He’s here in Manchester now, so again the opportunity was there and for sure he’s very important in my [career].”

Asked what stands out about Ten Hag, the 24-year-old highlighted the way United's new manager seeks to educate his players.

 

“[He's] very intense, for sure. Good football. Winning mentality, you know? That’s the most important [thing].

 

“Every player needs to have things clear. I think he’s very clear also. So I think, with him, every day you can learn and then, in the game, you can understand also fully – tactics and everything.

 

“How did he help me to improve? In how we can understand fully the situations, the decisions inside the pitch. He’s there in every detail.”

Martinez's rise has been swift since transferring to Ajax in the summer of 2019, with the player now more experienced and mature.

 

“I did 120 games in Ajax and I learn a lot, for sure,” he explains. “When I was in Ajax, my first year was when I was 21 years old, and now I’m 24. So yeah, I learned a lot.

 

“Now I feel [I play] with more experience, you know?”

And as for his playing style? Well, here's what United fans can expect, in Martinez's own words:

 

“I really like to help my team-mates, but every player – I want the best for everybody. If everybody is fit and everybody is good, then we can win, you know? Because we can win with 11 players if everyone is good, it will help with each other. This is one of my first points. 

 

“Then, I’m really aggressive,  I love to win, you know? It’s all about winning. I’m a good friend, also!”