Man Utd: Edwin van der Sar reports Lisandro Martinez after Ajax move

Edwin van der Sar has sent a message to the new acquisition of Manchester United — Edwin van der Sar has sent a message to the new Manchester United signing (Photos: Getty)

Edwin van der Sar paid tribute to ‘warrior’ Lisandro Martinez after leaving Ajax and wished him luck at new club Manchester United.

United confirmed on Wednesday they had completed the signing of Ajax’s Argentine defender Martinez in a deal worth up to £57million.

Former Ajax coach Erik ten Hag, who came to Manchester United earlier this summer, was keen to reunite with his former star after first signing him in 2019.

Martinez has signed a five-year contract with United and will be Ten Hag’s third summer signing, after Tyrell Malacia and Christian Eriksen.

During his three-year spell with Ajax, Martinez played 120 games and helped the Dutch club win two Eredivisie titles.

Ajax CEO and Manchester United legend Van der Sar said: ‘What a warrior you have been to us in Amsterdam.

“We all loved your ability to develop yourself like so many others before you and to play the football we love to watch, but the strength and determination in defense when needed.

What a warrior you have been for us in Amsterdam! We all loved your ability to develop yourself like so many others before you and play the football we love but the grin and determination in defense when needed! ‘ pic.twitter.com/7ljxOQuL9p

— Edwin van der Sar (@vdsar1970) July 27, 2022

“Good luck to this great club with a manager who shares the philosophy of attacking football in the style of Ajax. Good luck, Licha.’

Martinez, meanwhile, insists it is an ‘honour’ to join Manchester United and says he will do everything he can to help Ten Hag achieve success at the club.

“It is an honor to join this great football club,” he said. “I’ve worked so hard to get to this moment and now that I’m here I’m going to push myself even further.

“I’ve been lucky enough to be part of successful teams in my career and that’s what I want to continue at Manchester United.

“It will be a lot of work to get to that point, but I’m confident we can do it under this manager and coaches, and together with my new teammates.”

Ten Hag also welcomed Martinez’s arrival at the Theater of Dreams, saying: “He is a warrior and I think the fans will admire him. He has an attitude, fighting spirit.

“He brings aggressiveness into the game, in a good way. I think we need that. But he is also skilled, he can handle the ball well and is left footed.’