Manchester United opted against signing Villarreal centre-back Pau Torres as Erik ten Hag wanted Lisandro Martinez
Villarreal centre-back Pau Torres was an option for Manchester United, but the club opted to sign Lisandro Martinez for Erik ten Hag. Fabrizio Romano reveals the Spanish defender was on the Red Devils’ list in the recent transfer window.
United signed two defenders in the summer of 2022. The Dutch manager got left-back Tyrell Malacia and the Argentine centre-back from Ajax.
Speaking to CaughtOffside (h/t Express), Romano stated the United had an eye on Torres. However, the Red Devils opted against getting the 25-year-old signature due to Ten Hag wanting Martinez.
“Pau Torres was on Manchester United’s list but then the option collapsed as Erik ten Hag wanted Lisandro Martinez as the priority in that position.”
Torres has established himself over the years for the Yellow Submarine. The Spaniard has come up through the youth ranks with the La Liga outfit and developed into one of the finest centre-backs.
The 25-year-old has also become a regular member of the national side under Luis Enrique. Torres made his debut for La Furia Roja in November 2019 in a 7-0 victory over Malta in a European Qualifying fixture.
Since then, the defender has been an important member of Enrique’s team. Torres played a part in every game during Euro 2020 as Spain made it to the semi-final.
United have several options in the backline at the moment. For now, Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane have become the preferred duo for Ten Hag. Their partnership has seen the Red Devils go on a winning run.
Other options at the Dutch manager’s disposal include Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof. The two have mostly been on the bench in the 2022/23 campaign.
More Manchester United News
- Dean Henderson is full of praise for Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford
- Report: Juventus want to sign Manchester United superstar David de Gea
- Transfer News: Agent fees put off Manchester United and Liverpool in their pursuit of Moises Caicedo
Torres is currently with the national side and played 90 minutes in their 2-1 defeat to Switzerland in the UEFA Nations League. Whether United will pursue his signature in the future remains to be seen.
