A Premier League star Dan Ashworth thought would be “perfect” for Rúben Amorim is reportedly open to joining Manchester United this summer.
Manchester United are preparing for a busy summer in the transfer market, with defensive reinforcements high on Rúben Amorim’s agenda as he looks to address the team’s struggles at the back.
The club brought in Ayden Heaven from Arsenal and Patrick Dorgu from Lecce during the January window, but concerns persist—particularly with Lisandro Martínez now ruled out until November.
A defensive reshuffle is expected, with Victor Lindelöf set to leave once his contract expires in June. Jonny Evans is also likely to move on after a two-year return to Old Trafford.
There are also doubts over Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia. Shaw hasn’t played in nearly a year due to recurring injuries, while Malacia—currently on loan at PSV—is not in Amorim’s long-term thinking.
Branthwaite open to United move
United have been long linked with Everton and England centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite, having two bids for the 22-year-old rejected by the Merseyside club last summer.
Recent reports have stated that the defender is now seriously considering his future after he was left out of Thomas Tuchel’s latest England squad, and with that in mind, United’s name has now cropped up once again regarding the defender.
According to a new report from The Sun, the young Premier League star is open to joining United this summer, but the club will only move for him if they can secure Champions League football next season.
United’s only route into the elite European competition is through winning the Europa League, where they are set to face Ligue 1 side Olympique Lyonnais in the quarter-final next month.
Ashworth thought Branthwaite was “perfect” for Amorim
Before he was released from his duties, former sporting director Dan Ashworth saw the Everton centre-back as a player United should target for the coming summer window.
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It was stated at the time that Ashworth saw the young defender as a player who would be perfectly suited to Amorim’s 3-4-3 system at United.
With the club losing Evans and Lindelöf, Branthwaite would be heading into Old Trafford as a firm starter, especially considering the injury to Martínez.
As the 22-year-old is left-footed, he could fill the spot on the left of the back-three defence. However, there have been questions as to whether Branthwaite’s signing is still needed following the emergence of Leny Yoro and Heaven.
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