Manchester United are readying a £60 million bid for a Premier League star, after being linked to the player for years.
Manchester United haven’t had the best start to the 2025/26 season under Rúben Amorim, but it seems the Portuguese manager will be given time to turn things around at Old Trafford.
Jason Wilcox – United’s Director of Football – appears to have already begun planning for the January transfer window, to help Amorim’s future at the club.
The biggest hole in the side is in central midfield, but improvements can be made across the pitch, as seen by United’s poor start to the season.
Luke Shaw has started the season as Amorim’s left-centre-back – in the absence of Lisandro Martínez – but could be needed for cover at left-wing-back if Diego Leon isn’t ready for first-team football just yet.
United may have to seek another left-sided defender in the January transfer window, especially if Ayden Heaven is loaned out so he can play regularly for the second half of the season.
United ready £60 million bid for Branthwaite
United have been linked to Jarred Branthwaite for years, but have yet to submit an official offer for the English centre-back, although that could change this January.
Mark Brus – on his SubStack – has reported that United are preparing a £60 million bid for the Everton defender, having registered a “serious” interest in Branthwaite.
The two-footed centre-back could cover multiple positions in Amorim’s back three, and is reportedly “unsettled” at Everton and keen to join a “top club” in the future.
While he is currently out injured, Branthwaite signed a new contract at Everton in the summer and won’t leave the club for a cheap fee.
United don’t need Branthwaite with centre-back talent at club
While United haven’t been perfect at the back this season, most of the defensive mistakes have come from the goalkeeper, rather than the central defenders.
Amorim doesn’t need any more defensive options, especially in the back three, with so much young talent and proven experienced alternatives.
Leny Yoro – who was dropped against Chelsea – is one for the future, despite his already impressive performances in a United shirt. Matthijs de Ligt, Noussair Mazraoui and Tyler Fredricson are also capable options on the right side.
On the left, Amorim has Shaw, Martínez and Heaven to choose from. Branthwaite isn’t needed at Old Trafford when a midfielder is so desperately needed instead.
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