Manchester United hit with summer transfer blow as rival “increasingly confident” star won’t join Rúben Amorim

Manchester United have been hit with a summer transfer blow as it’s stated that one club are “increasingly confident” their star player won’t join Rúben Amorim’s team.

Manchester United are preparing to strengthen their defence in the summer transfer window as Rúben Amorim looks to tighten up a backline that has struggled this season.

The club added reinforcements in January, bringing in young centre-back Ayden Heaven from Arsenal and wing-back Patrick Dorgu from Lecce. However, defensive issues remain, with Lisandro Martínez now ruled out until November.

Several defenders are expected to depart in the summer. Victor Lindelöf will leave when his contract expires in June, while Jonny Evans is also likely to move on.

There are also doubts over the futures of Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia. Shaw has not started for United in nearly a year due to injury troubles, while Malacia, currently on loan at PSV, is not part of Amorim’s long-term plans.

United hit with Branthwaite transfer blow

In 2024, United spent a lot of time chasing Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite, whom Erik ten Hag saw as a fantastic potential addition to his backline.

However, with the Premier League rivals demanding around £75 million for the England international, United only lodged bids worth up to £50 million, and after a fee could not be agreed, Ten Hag brought in Matthijs de Ligt instead.

However, reports since have stated that United may well try their luck again in the coming summer window, although GiveMeSport have stated that Everton are “increasingly confident” that they will be able to hold on to the 22-year-old in 2025.

It is reported that Everton are confident that they will be able to hold on to Branthwaite for at least one more season, and with Everton now looking increasingly safe from relegation after hiring manager David Moyes, the chances of this are increasing.

Everton are thought to be confident in this as Branthwaite is said to be very satisfied with the management of Moyes, and Everton want to hold on to the centre-back to be a face of their new project once they move to a new stadium next campaign.

United must sign someone like Branthwaite

While United currently have seven first-team centre-backs on their books and a further few players such as Shaw and Noussair Mazraoui who can fill in gaps when needed, there is a glaring hole in their defence.

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Martínez is the only first-team central defender who is naturally left-footed, and with the Argentina international out for at least the rest of this season, this throws the back line off balance.

Heaven is also left-footed, but some see him as a future defensive midfielder, and Branthwaite is a left-footed centre-back with Premier League experience who would excel under Amorim.

The head coach needs centre-backs who are good on the ball and quick with their feet, and while those such as Leny Yoro and Mazraoui may be able to cover for Martínez on a temporary basis, United must look to sign a multiple left-footed centre-backs in the coming windows.

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