Ruud van Nistelrooy gives Manchester United important transfer advice amid fan worry

Ruud van Nistlerooy has provided his former club, Manchester United, with some important transfer advice ahead of the summer transfer window.

The Reds ended an underwhelming 2023/24 campaign with an outstanding FA Cup final victory over Manchester City, securing their second trophy since Erik ten Hag took charge.

However, there is much work to be done in the upcoming summer transfer market and a position that INEOS are desperate to strengthen is in centre-back.

Jarrad Branthwaite of Everton has been heavily linked as the preferred choice at the back, and his price tag ranges from between £40-80 million, depending on what reports you listen to.

Ultimately, it seems like a figure of around £60 million could secure the services of the 21-year-old defender. Anything more, and United would likely be wary of placing a bid.

Branthwaite had his breakout season in the Premier League last term, although he went through important development under the management of Ruud van Nistlerooy on loan at PSV Eindhoven in the 2022/23 campaign.

Ruud van Nistelrooy’s advice

There seems to be one main concern about Branthwaite being the priority target in defence, and it is irrespective of his quality.

Many fans are questioning the interest in the left-sided centre-back due to the current personnel at Old Trafford, with Lisandro Martínez a fan favourite at the club.

Despite the Argentine’s injuries over the last year, if he remains fit, it seems unlikely that he will lose his spot. Instead, after Raphaël Varane’s departure, the right side seems to need more attention.

However, Van Nistelrooy has previously explained that Branthwaite is comfortable with both feet, and so can play on either side of a central defensive pairing.

“He is a great talent. “The boy is young, but he has a future,” the former Unites striker previously explained, as per the Manchester Evening News.

“He is good on the ball [and] can play on the left or the right of centre-back because he is two-footed. He has height and speed, so he is very complete.”