Facing a defensive injury crisis and Champions League fatigue, Michael Carrick targets Jarrad Branthwaite to bolster the backline as the Red Devils prepare a massive £70m summer swoop.
Manchester United's centre-back pairings have seen a great deal of change across the season, with Michael Carrick resorting to the likes of Ayden Heaven and Noussair Mazraoui as the central duo to face Chelsea away from home.
Qualification for the Champions League next season after an impressive third-place finish in the Premier League means Carrick's side will be facing a huge increase in the number of games, therefore calling on the squad depth of the squad to keep up.
Many expect the midfield to be a huge area of investment, with Roundtable reporting that Manchester United are in hot pursuit of West Ham United's Mateus Fernandes. However, the centre back department could see some reinforcements with injuries and suspensions impacting the squad on multiple occasions under Carrick.
With the signing of Brazilian midfielder Éderson from Atalanta reportedly being completed, attention at Old Trafford is turning towards the backline as United consider reigniting their interest in a Premier League star.
Man Utd contemplate Branthwaite transfer push
According to MailSport, Man Utd are considering a push for the signing of Everton's Jarrad Branthwaite.
The 23-year-old defender was on United's radar in the summer of 2024, with bids worth £35m and £45m both being rejected by the Toffees.
Red Devils opted for the signing of Leny Yoro after his standout season for Lille. United also secured the signing of Matthijs De Ligt, who had been a concrete starter until his back injuries forced him to the sidelines.
Whilst Branthwaite has suffered a stint of injuries, seeing him make only 10 Premier League appearances last season, he still has the attention of United alongside Manchester City and Bayern Munich.
How much would Branthwaite cost?
Everton understandably admires Branthwaite highly and will want to push further for a place in Europe after narrowly missing out this season.
The club from Merseyside are reportedly labelling the defender with a £70m price tag, which would see Branthwaite become the fourth most expensive defender in Premier League history, overtaking Chelsea's Wesley Fofana, according to Transfermarkt.
United's potential push for Branthwaite would also be reliant on their ability to offload players, with the likes of Manuel Ugarte, Joshua Zirkzee and Altay Bayindir looking like probable sales.
Whether Branthwaite would walk into United's starting lineup or take a rotational role to balance injuries and minutes, his arrival could add the necessary depth for United to push for silverware across all four club competitions.
