Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has confirmed Lisandro Martinez almost joined Arsenal.

Martinez, who played a key role in Argentina's triumph at the 2022 World Cup, followed Ten Hag to United in July after completing a £55million switch from Ajax.

The Dutchman recalled to Voetbal International: "Whether I found it difficult to get Martínez away from Ajax? I had such a good time there, how we experienced the process together. From scratch we brought Ajax back to the European top. That project has been so dear to me.

"But Martínez himself wanted to leave Ajax anyway. If we hadn't taken him, he would have gone to Arsenal.

"They wanted him anyway, he was top priority there. Licha called me at one point: 'Coach, listen, I'm leaving Ajax anyway. I can sign with Arsenal, but if you want me, I'm going to Manchester United'.

"Then I thought: I shouldn't shoot myself and United in the foot either. He really wasn't staying in Amsterdam, that was out of the question. Then we struck and it all worked out."