Erik ten Hag reveals the truth behind Martinez and Antony signings

In conversation with Dutch outlet VI Erik ten Hag explained how the Martinez transfer happened:

“If I found it hard to take Martinez away from Ajax? I had such a great time there, the way we build a project. Out of nowhere, we brought Ajax back to European top level. But Martinez himself wanted to leave. If we didn’t take him, he would have gone to Arsenal.

“At a certain point, Lisandro Martinez called me up and said: ‘Coach, listen, I will leave Ajax no matter what. I can sign for Arsenal, but if you want me, I will go to Manchester United.” Ten Hag also said that Ajax knew Antony would leave the club and that United were interested in signing him even before ten Hag took charge at Old Trafford. He added: “Antony’s departure couldn’t have been a surprise for Ajax. In January they already knew he would leave in the summer. We had three names on the list for the right forward position, he was already on the list at Manchester United before I arrived. “Antony’s management was very clear to Ajax [in January]. They said: ‘In six months’ time, Antony will make a transfer’. Then we started working on getting another Brazilian in to replace Antony, and Steven Bergwijn.” More from the Manchester Evening News