Jarrad Branthwaite to Man United: Insider stunned after two deals completed
Jarrad Branthwaite would be a shock signing for Manchester United after the recent capture of two rising-star defenders.
That’s according to former United and Blackburn chief scout Mick Brown, who remains well-connected in the game, and exclusively told Football Insider that he doesn’t see Branthwaite as a smart signing.
The Everton and England defender has long since been on the Red Devils’ transfer shortlist after establishing himself as one of the Premier League’s best young centre-backs at Goodison Park last term.
United and Erik ten Hag pursued Branthwaite will plenty of intent last summer, only for Everton to rebuff multiple bids and place an £80million price tag on the 22-year-old despite their financial problems.
Branthwaite’s form has recovered after missing the start of the current campaign through injury, and despite making centre-back additions in the last two transfer windows, Man United‘s interest remains.
Manchester United transfers leave Branthwaite deal doubtful
The Red Devils opted to spend £52m on Leny Yoro last summer rather than sign Branthwaite for a similar amount, and have since signed Matthijs de Ligt and Ayden Heaven as further central defensive cover.
Brown, who has a wealth of experience in top-level player recruitment after over a decade at United during their most successful period, argued that these options make a move for Branthwaite unlikely.
“Well, I can’t believe that you’d buy Leny Yoro, then you take [Heaven] from Arsenal, and then, you’re looking to get Branthwaite in”, Brown told Football Insider.
“You’ve already got [Lisandro] Martinez there, when he comes back – so that doesn’t look like good, sound business to me.
“If somebody’s got a very high opinion of Branthwaite – I think he’s got a bit to do to get back to where he was – but with this lot, you don’t know what’s going to happen!”
Ruben Amorim influence could open door for Branthwaite transfer
Although Yoro, De Ligt, Heaven and Martinez are joined by Victor Lindelof, Harry Maguire and Jonny Evans in United’s centre-back ranks, there is a precedent to adding another player of Branthwaite’s ilk.
Ruben Amorim looks set to be in the Old Trafford dugout for the long-term, and given he’s stuck rigidly to his 3-4-2-1 formation thus far, additional centre-back cover is arguably needed to bolster that system.
With the latter trio of central defensive options potentially heading for summer exits, Branthwaite could still be a player to come in and make his mark as part of Amorim’s long-term vision for the Red Devils.
However, with a sieve-like midfield, few natural wide options and complete lack of a top-class striker, expect United’s interest in Branthwaite to be put to the back of the queue once the window opens.