Dan Ashworth identifies ‘perfect’ Premier League star for Rúben Amorim, he wants Man United move

Reports claim that Dan Ashworth has identified a perfect Premier League star to integrate into Rúben Amorim’s Manchester United system.

With Rúben Amorim stepping in to manage Manchester United’s first team following Erik ten Hag’s departure, there’s plenty to contemplate.

Nearly a year into co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s stewardship of the club, his vision is now taking shape, and many expect that Amorim will overhaul the squad Ten Hag put together over the last two and a half years.

Read More: Revealed – Manchester United squad stance on Ruud van Nistelrooy staying after latest comments

Over the rest of the season, Amorim is likely to assess each player carefully, distinguishing between those he sees as part of his long-term plan and those he might consider expendable.

While speculation circulates about who the 39-year-old manager might keep, sell, or bring in during future transfer windows, United’s leadership team will determine many of the club’s signings.

Dan Ashworth’s Amorim idea

According to talkSPORT, sporting director Dan Ashworth has identified Everton centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite as a player United will target next summer.

The report states that Ashworth sees the young English defender as perfectly suited to Amorim’s new system, likely his famed 3-4-2-1 formation at Old Trafford.

With Jonny Evans’ and Victor Lindelöf’s respective contracts expiring and Harry Maguire’s future currently unknown, it is almost certain that United will sign a new centre-back this summer.

TalkSPORT claims Branthwaite has ambitions to play for a top Premier League club, but United may face stiff competition from Liverpool, who admire the young star.

Branthwaite keen on United

United failed with two bids for Branthwaite last summer, totalling £45 million and then £50 million with add-ons included. Everton were demanding £75 million at the time – a price no club chose to meet.

However, the 22-year-old made his feelings clear as he wanted the move, accepting a contract from United believed to be around £ 160,000 a week. Once Everton tried to offer him a new deal, reports claim he demanded it must match the contract United sent.

Branhtwaite has not started for Everton this season due to injury and was omitted from England’s squad for the 2024 European Championships, but United still have the player high on their wishlist.

Make sure to follow UtdDistrict on X, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok to never miss out on any of our Manchester United content. Our podcast, What the Devil?, is released every Wednesday at 6 pm (BST) on the United View YouTube channel.