Why Manchester United Transfer Target Is Labelled ‘The Butcher Of Amsterdam’

As Manchester United find themselves locked in a battle for Ajax centre-back, Lisandro Martinez, a look at the reasoning behind the Argentine’s nickname will offer an explanation as to why he is so highly sought after.

Martinez has been the subject of a transfer battle between Manchester United and Arsenal, with both Premier League clubs desperate to secure the Argentina and Ajax centre-back for their respective playing squads.

Reports have emerged across the past few days of both Manchester United and Arsenal submitting bids for the centre-back, with suggestions that the defender has asked Ajax to leave the club to force through a move to the Premier League.

It has been reported that United are the favourites to sign the player, following a bid thought to be between £34-39m.

Martinez has developed a strong reputation in the Netherlands, with the reported nickname of, ‘The Butcher of Amsterdam’.

This nickname tells you virtually everything you need to know about the Argentina international.

Martinez’s brutal nature on the pitch was forged through a tough initial upbringing in Gualeguay, Argentina, with both his mother and father working long hours to provide for their family.

This laid the foundations for Martinez’s temperament on the football pitch during his career, with the defender displaying the grit and determination required of both an elite-level centre-back and leader on the field.

Manchester United will be hoping that Martinez will be both should he join Old Trafford.

His desire to win every 50/50 challenge he enters contributes in large part to the nickname, with no remorse shown to opponents that are on the receiving end of a challenge for the ball.

A strong defensive presence at the back will greatly improve results at Old Trafford during the 2022/23 season, with this aspect of United’s performances in greater need of improvement than the other, more attacking, aspects.

The brutality that Martinez plays with is the overriding contributor to the ‘butcher' aspect of his nickname.

This is the type of player that Manchester United need at Old Trafford, with their defence across the 2021/22 season not providing the solidarity that is required in a title challenging team.

Furthermore, there is clear evidence of talent on the ball from Martinez, with this being vital to an Erik ten Hag system, making the potential transfer even more valuable to the club.

Having a marquee signing with such a reputation and nickname will be beneficial for the club’s fans, with this giving them a character to rally behind ahead of the new season. 

This will appease a fan base that has expressed frustration in recent years for a number of valid reasons.

It could also encourage fans to rally behind the playing squad even further than they previously had if Martinez displays the same fight and desire he has done at Ajax in the Eredivisie and Champions League.

The signing of Martinez would follow the imminent signing of Dutch left-back, Tyrell Malacia, with Malacia undergoing his United medical on Sunday.

United are also closing in on the signing of Dutch midfielder, Frenkie de Jong, from Barcelona, with Erik ten Hag desperate to reunite with his Ajax starboy at Old Trafford.

Officials at the club will be hoping that Martinez is secured after these two imminent signings, with all three players addressing the key areas of the squad that need reinforcing in order to mount a more effective title challenge heading into the new season.