Martinez fights to seal dream move
training with the Dutch champions if they don’t reach an agreement with Old Trafford negotiators.
Sources close to the Martinez camp say the South American star is losing patience with Ajax.
Martinez has made it clear he wants to join United – and he is urging his current employers to get a deal done in the next 48 hours. The player and his agent have stayed silent but they are said to be disappointed – and crucial talks will be held with Ajax in the next few days.
Ten Hag is also pushing Old Trafford chiefs to reach an agreement with his former club believing Martinez, along with Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong, can be central to his plans to revitalise the Reds.
Barca have so far blocked attempts to sign De Jong although United remain hopeful a deal can be done before the window closes. That’s scuppered
Ten Hag’s hopes of having the Nou Camp star on United’s tour of Asia and Australia – but he wants Martinez to fly out immediately a transfer is completed.
And United’s headline sponsors are pressing the club to hold on to Cristiano Ronaldo (above).
It’s understood the Reds aren’t willing to cave into Ronaldo’s demands to leave in order to play Champions League after some sponsors are believed to have helped in financing his £500,000a-week wages.
And they want more than just a season of being able to tap into Ronaldo’s huge commercial reach, despite the 37-year-old star being keen to sever his agreement with United who will compete in the Europa League next season.
But some senior figures at the club believe a parting may help
Ten Hag navigate a first season more easily without the spectre of Ronaldo casting a shadow over his attempts to revitalise the club.