Lisandro Martinez has spoken out on Manchester United's defensive signings as he prepares to play alongside Matthijs de Ligt, who completed a move to Old Trafford from Bayern Munich
Lisandro Martinez "can't wait" to link up with new Manchester United signing Matthijs de Ligt after his transfer from Bayern Munich.
The Red Devils have splashed approximately £56million for De Ligt and fellow defender Noussair Mazraoui, making them the third and fourth additions of the summer window. Martinez has hailed the pair as "really good" defenders and can't hide his excitement about their arrival - even though they have increased competition for a place in the side.
United have also snapped up another Dutchman, striker Joshua Zirkzee from Bologna, and young defender Leny Yoro from Lille, although Yoro is out of action due to a foot injury sustained during pre-season.
Martinez gushed over the new signings in a chat on BBC's Football Focus: "I'm so excited about Matthijs and Noussair," he said. "We are here to help them and they are really good players, that's why Manchester United bought them. They will show [that] quickly because they have really good qualities and they like to play football and they are special for our system. I think Matthijs will give us a strong personality, playing from the back, defending high, I can't wait to play with him."
De Ligt and Mazraoui might get their first taste of Premier League action in United's season opener against Fulham on Friday, despite the squad grappling with defensive injuries. Yoro is expected to be out for three months, while Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia are also nursing injuries.
"As soon as I heard that Manchester United wanted me, I felt an excitement about the opportunity for a new challenge at such an historic club," De Ligt told United's club media. "In the conversations that followed, I was impressed by the vision that the football leadership set out, and the role they saw for me in it."
The Dutch defender showed his eagerness to link up with a familiar face, saying: "Erik ten Hag shaped the early stages of my career, so he knows how to get the best out of me and I cannot wait to work with him again. I know what it takes to succeed at the highest level, and I'm determined to continue that record at this special club."
Mazraoui also stated his excitement arriving at Old Trafford, he said: "It's an incredible feeling to be a Manchester United player, and I cannot wait to walk out at Old Trafford wearing the red shirt. I know that I'm joining the club at an exciting time; everyone I've spoken to has the same ambition for us to win trophies together and I can feel the determination to achieve that.
"Erik ten Hag played an important part in my development as a player, so it is exciting to be reuniting with him as I enter the prime years of my career. I know what he expects from his players, and I will give everything to help the group be successful."
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