Manchester United fans have been left stunned by one of the club’s targets “insane” abilities amid Rúben Amorim’s hunt for new defenders this summer.
Manchester United are planning a defensive overhaul this summer as Rúben Amorim looks to fix the issues that have plagued his side throughout the season.
The club moved to strengthen in January with the signings of Ayden Heaven from Arsenal and Patrick Chinazaekpere Dorgu from Lecce, but with Lisandro Martínez now ruled out until November, further reinforcements are needed.
Victor Lindelöf is set to leave when his contract expires in June, while Jonny Evans will also depart, clearing the way for new arrivals.
There are also question marks over Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia. Shaw has not started for the club in over a year due to injuries, and Malacia, currently on loan at PSV, is not part of Amorim’s future plans.
United fans stunned by Branthwaite performance
On Saturday afternoon, Everton played out a 1-0 fixture against Chelsea, with the latter side defeating David Moyes’ men at Stamford Bridge.
While Everton failed to secure any points from their trip down south to London, one man who has come away with plenty of praise is 22-year-old Jarrad Branthwaite, with well-revered football analyst, htomufc, praising the English defender’s “insane” box defending abilities.
Against Chelsea, Branthwaite won both of his two attempted tackles, making eight clearances and three recoveries, as well as one block. He also won five of his nine attempted duels.
As for his on-the-ball performance, he had 84 touches across the 90 minutes, completing 60 of his 68 attempted passes.
Seven of the 11 long balls he attempted found their intended target, while Branthwaite made seven passes into Chelsea’s final third. Overall, it was an outstanding display, just as htomufc described.
How much would Branthwaite cost this summer?
Last summer, United lodged two bids for the defender, worth a total of £45 million and then £50 million including add-ons, but the Merseyside club rebuffed both.
Ahead of this summer, there have been rumours that with Branthwaite having not been called up to England’s latest squad, he is considering a move this summer in order to stay in Thomas Tuchel’s frame of mind.
With Everton demanding around £70 million last summer, it has been claimed that Moyes’ team would continue to demand such a fee this summer.
With both Evans and Lindelöf’s exits pending, Branthwaite would be a fantastic but expensive addition to Amorim’s back line.
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