In the summer of 2019, Andre Onana, Lisandro Martinez and Matthijs de Ligt were all named in Ajax Amsterdam's registration list. However, they have never played together. De Ligt has since moved to Juventus and Martinez is seen as a compensation for the Dutch centre-back's departure.
Both De Ligt and Martinez have helped Ajax make significant profits after they were sold. Three years after De Ligt moved to Juventus, Martinez also left the Dutch capital to join Man United, marking a period of " Ajaxization" under Erik ten Hag.
Currently, De Ligt is said to be very close to the "Red Devils" and reunites with his former teacher. If this deal is completed, the Dutch midfielder will be the 5th player in the M.U squad that has played for Ajax. In Turin and Munich, the 24-year-old star had difficulty proving himself. However, a reunion with Ten Hag could help him regain the form he had 5 years ago, especially as he showed in the 2019 Champions League.
Notably, De Ligt will meet his former teammate Andre Onana again. The Cameroonian goalkeeper played alongside him and Licha during his time at Ajax under Ten Hag. All three have shown good passing and distributing ability, which could help Man United improve their ability to distribute and pull the ball right from the home field.
Onana has made 111 appearances for De Ligt and 76 appearances for Martinez. These familiarities will help the "Red Devils" defense have more understanding and cohesion in their attacks. In addition, all have experience under Ten Hag, with De Ligt playing 70 matches, Martinez playing 179 matches and Onana playing 196 matches.
During his tenure at Old Trafford, the 54-year-old has repeatedly wished the club to improve their home-field style of play. However, injuries and the quality of the defense prevented Ten Hag from deploying as expected.
In particular, Lisandro Martinez was almost out last season due to a persistent injury. Sub place Licha cannot bring the safety and ball coordination he has. This caused Onana to play long ball in many situations, compared to the short-handed play that Ten Hag wanted to impose.
If De Ligt's deal is completed, this season could be an opportunity to change that for Manchester United. Onana has had a year to adapt, Licha is gradually stabilizing after an injury. Meanwhile, De Ligt is also familiar with Ten Hag's way of working and his philosophy.
Once De Ligt arrives at Old Trafford, the Onana - Martinez - De Ligt defensive triangle will form in Man United's defense. After the departure of Raphael Varane, the Red Devils' midfield needs someone of class to lead and can rotate with Harry Maguire.
