Manchester United’s £35.4m target is the ‘fantastic’ player Lisandro Martinez would love to be reunited with

Just a year after Edson Alvarez’s £35.4m move to West Ham, United now want to replace Casemiro in defensive midfield at Old Trafford.

This deal would be a controversial one, with many likely to snub him given he is another former Ajax player and Ten Hag favourite.

But one man who won’t turn his nose up at the deal is Lisandro Martinez, who has previously stated his intention to play alongside Alvarez again.

Lisandro Martinez would love to see Edson Alvarez arrive this summer

Speaking after his exit from Ajax in 2022, Martinez raved about Alvarez and even admitted he would like to play alongside the Mexican again.

“I’m getting a little emotional now because Edson is like a brother to me. In a short period of time we have built a close friendship and of course it will continue to exist. But I will really miss Edson.

“I hope we can play together again soon at a club. Edson deserves these words. He is a fantastic person.”

Martinez and Alvarez had a great relationship at Ajax and even played together as a centre-half pair at times. They have won several trophies together and so it is no shock to see that Martinez wants to play with him again.

But does he suit United or would he be another transfer crash, with the Ten Hag failing to make a proper move to sign him in 2022 despite the Mexico captain pleading his case?

Does Alvarez fit Manchester United’s needs this summer?

In terms of providing Kobbie Mainoo with a midfield partner who is defensively minded and capable of doing all the dirty work, United can look no further than Alvarez.

The West Ham midfielder may not be as dynamic a midfielder as Joao Neves or Amadou Onana, but in terms of what he would offer defensively, there might not be a better option.

According to FBRef, Alvarez completed 2.91 tackles per 90 (89th percentile), 1.50 interceptions per 90 (88th percentile), 2.16 blocks per 90 (98th percentile) and 2.79 clearances per 90 (98th percentile).

Alvarez also boasts a solid pass completion rate which should be enough to see him able to help United develop from the back, but he would absolutely be signed for the protection he would give the defense that was far too exposed last season.

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