Manchester United management are backing Erik ten Hag's choices in the transfer market.

Despite players scouted over the long-term becoming available, United have decided to go with Ten Hag's targets as a priority.

The Manchester Evening News says Pau Torres was the United recruitment department's preferred option as a left-footed centre-back signing but Ten Hag did not want to prioritise the Villarreal defender.

United also spoke with agents for David Carmo, another left-footer, before he left Braga for Porto.

Instead, a €50m offer for Ajax defender Lisandro Martinez has now been tabled.

United also prioritised Martinez's Ajax teammate, the right-footed Jurrien Timber, however the Netherlands international turned them down.