Ruben Amorim’s ‘priority’ Man Utd target sheds more light on transfer mistakes

Manchester United are reportedly looking to sign Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite in January despite deploying two centre-backs in the summer.

United paid £52 million to sign Leny Yoro from Lille and £38 million, plus another £4 million in add-ons, to sign Matthijs de Ligt from Bayern Munich. Yoro is yet to make a competitive appearance for the club after suffering a foot injury in pre-season, while De Ligt has yet to make the desired impact following his reunion with Erik ten Hag.

The club have spent around £600 million on transfers during Ten Hag's two-and-a-half year spell as manager and are determined to change their approach now that Ruben Amorim has taken charge. Amorim has been told he has been hired to improve the players he already has at his disposal, with Rasmus Hojlund and Mason Mount considered two with untapped potential.

Nevertheless, United are still considering ways to improve their squad in the January transfer window. The Daily Mail reports that Branthwaite is their 'priority' in the new year, despite being postponed over the summer.

United saw bids worth £43m and £50m rejected before the start of the 2024/25 season, with Everton insisting on valuing Branthwaite at at least £70m. Ultimately, United went ahead and signed Yoro instead, leaving Everton baffled that they would spend so much on an 18-year-old with no Premier League experience after dithering over the quoted fee for Branthwaite.

The 22-year-old central defender has only made four appearances this season after recovering from a groin injury. But he is highly regarded by Everton and manager Sean Dyche after forming a solid partnership with James Tarkowski last season.

He is under contract with Everton until June 2027 and will not be cheap, especially halfway through the season. United are considering their options in defence, with Victor Lindelof and Jonny Evans set to leave at the end of the season when their contracts expire.

Harry Maguire is another player who could leave at the end of June unless the club decides to extend his contract for another year. In addition to central defense, United are considering strengthening their options at left-back, with Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia struggling with injuries.

Both are now back in training – and were included in Amorim's first training session on Monday – but will need to be made comfortable again. United have been linked with Bayern Munich's Alphonso Davies, who could leave the German giants in the summer when his contract expires.

The fact that United are currently in 13th place, and staring at the possibility of another season without Champions League football, could hinder their ability to attract top players.