Lisandro Martinez rejected Arsenal for Manchester United - Erik ten Hag

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has confirmed that Lisandro Martinez snubbed Arsenal after the Red Devils entered the race.

The Argentine was a top target for the Gunners during the summer transfer window, and he was interested in joining them at one point of time.

However, his stance changed after the interest from United. Martinez made it clear that he wanted to reunite with his former Ajax boss Ten Hag.

Speaking to Voetbal International, Ten Hag has now disclosed that Martinez could have joined Arsenal if United did not make an approach for him.

He said: "Martinez himself wanted to leave Ajax. 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: 'Trainer, listen, I'm leaving Ajax anyway. I can sign with Arsenal, but if you want me, I'm going to Manchester United'. I thought I shouldn't shoot myself and United in the foot."

Martinez was signed for a high transfer fee of €67m last summer, but he has already proved his worth with a number of stand-out performances.

The Argentine is already a favourite among the Red Devils faithful and should return to the club full of confidence after his World Cup glory.