Manchester United’s summer transfer plans are all set under the leadership of new co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe as they prepare for a transition. The Red Devils, the most successful club in the history of English football have now gone 11 years without the league title as the new co-owners are ready to splash the cash in the market transfer market. With Raphael Varane and Jonny Evans likely to leave in the summer as their contracts are up, United are in search for a replacement and could bring in Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite.
Manchester United target Jarrad Branthwaite
A product nurtured at Everton, Branthwaite is considered as the next John Stones and is reportedly being scouted by the United scouts. The Red Devils will be looking for reinforcements in the central defense as the board is unlikely to extend deals for Varane and Evans while Victor Lindeloff will be out of contract in 2025. Harry Maguire, another choice in the central defense also has an uncertain future at the club considering he almost left the club in 2023 summer.
At 21, Branthwaite has been superb and provided a long-term option for the Red Devils and is an investment worth making. So far in 35 appearances for Everton, he has been impressive for the Toffees who are fighting relegation for the last two campaigns. However, this season he has established himself as a first-team regular.
Branthwaite recently netted for the club in the Premier League game against Tottenham Hotspur which earned a valuable draw for his side. His ability to provide attacking options and good defensive technique has seen him emerge as a prominent option in the future.
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Manchester United target Champions League, FA Cup glory
United, not in action last weekend in the Premier League due to FA Cup commitments are still in the race for Champions League qualification after Spurs and Aston Villa dropped points. A win for Ten Hag and his army against a boosted Liverpool in the FA Cup side has raised the confidence level of the side.
United beat Liverpool 3-2 after extra time which helped them book their place in the semifinal of the FA Cup. With a tie against Coventry, United have one foot in the final of the FA Cup as they could end the season with silverware.
Erik ten Hag’s side will next take the field after the international break when they face Brentford in West London. That fixture will be followed by two big games against Chelsea (away) and Liverpool (home) in the Premier League, considering United are still in the hunt for Champions League places, the first week of April could prove crucial.
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