Jarrad Branthwaite &#8211; CaughtOffside

Chelsea approach La Liga club to address goalkeeper issue, player keen on move to Stamford Bridge

Manchester United’s sale of Greenwood includes clause that leaves door open for future return

Leicester City agree deal for Juventus ace but player not keen on joining the Foxes

MUFC have over-paid for a number of their signings in recent years, so it’s not too surprising that EFC perhaps feel they can demand a huge fee as they’ll feel Branthwaite is of a similar level to someone like Harry Maguire when he made the move from Leicester City to Old Trafford.

Branthwaite may no longer be a top priority for United, however, after they strengthened their defence with the recent addition French wonderkid of Leny Yoro from Lille.

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Man United find out what they must do to land 22-year-old summer target

Saikat Chatterjee — Sun, 21 Jul 2024 08:14:27 +0000

Manchester United have been linked with a move for Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite this summer.

According to a report from the Athletic, Everton have now informed Manchester United that they will have to meet the defender’s valuation in order for the move to go through.

Everton are unwilling to lower their demands for the player. The 22-year-old is regarded as one of the finest young defensive prospects in English football and he could develop into a key player for Manchester United. The Red Devils need to bring in defensive reinforcements and Branthwaite should prove to be a quality long-term investment for them.

It will be interesting to see if Manchester United are willing to break the bank for him. They have already secured a deal to sign Leny Yoro from LOSC Lille to improve their defensive unit.

Ideally, Manchester United should look to invest in two quality central defenders this summer and they have been linked with players like Matthijs de Ligt as well.

The Red Devils have already had an offer of around £50 million including bonuses rejected for the Everton defender. It will be interesting to see if they are ready to improve on that offer in the coming weeks.

More Stories / Latest News

Chelsea approach La Liga club to address goalkeeper issue, player keen on move to Stamford Bridge

Manchester United’s sale of Greenwood includes clause that leaves door open for future return

Leicester City agree deal for Juventus ace but player not keen on joining the Foxes

Jarrad Branthwaite pictured during Everton’s Premier League fixture against Crystal Palace at Goodison Park on February 19, 2024.

Man United could be priced out of Jarrad Branthwaite move

Manchester United will have to improve multiple areas of their squad and they might not be able to pay over the odds for the Everton defender. Meanwhile, the opportunity to join Manchester United will be quite attractive for the 22-year-old as well. It would be a huge step up in his career and he would get to compete at the highest level with Manchester United.

Branthwaite has been a key player for Everton and the Toffees will not want to sanction his departure easily. They will look to recoup a substantial amount of money for him and it remains to be seen how Manchester United respond.

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Sean Dyche gives update as Jarrad Branthwaite misses Everton friendly amid Man Utd links

CJ — Fri, 19 Jul 2024 20:36:57 +0000

Sean Dyche says Jarrad Branthwaite is making ‘good progress’ toward full fitness after missing Everton’s friendly against Sligo Rovers on Friday.

The Toffees had to come from 2-0 and 3-1 down to salvage a draw against the Irish club in their first friendly of the summer — held in honour of Everton captain Seamus Coleman, who signed for the club from Sligo for just £60,000 back in 2009.

Back where it all began for SC23. ???

Thanks to @sligorovers for a good game, for the hospitality and for making Seamus’ return special for all involved. Best of luck for the rest of your season. ? pic.twitter.com/uodtDwTkDU

— Everton (@Everton) July 19, 2024

Mason Holgate scored Everton’s first goal in his first appearance for the club since returning from loans to Southampton and Sheffield United last season. And after going 3-1 down, two late strikes in two minutes from Portuguese youngster Youssef Chermiti spared Everton’s blushes.

Everton were missing a number of players for their trip to Ireland, including experienced defender James Tarkowski, Scottish right-back Nathan Patterson and former England international Dele Alli.

“He [Tarkowski] has got a minor niggle at this stage and we have to be careful,” Dyche told Everton‘s official website of Tarkowski after the match. “We’ve got some other players we’re just being a bit careful with – they’re okay, just a few niggles that we’re going to monitor but nothing too serious. We’re hopeful with Tarky, hopefully it’s nothing.”

Branthwaite ‘making good progress’

Most notable, however, was the absence of Branthwaite, who has been the subject of much transfer speculation this summer.

The 22-year-old was among Everton’s standout players last season as he helped the Toffees finish 15th and 14 points clear of relegation despite suffering an eight-point deduction.

Branthwaite’s form saw him pick up his first senior cap for England prior to Euro 2024, although he ultimately failed to make Gareth Southgate’s final squad for the run to the final.

The former Carlisle United youngster has also caught the attention of Manchester United who, according to Sky Sports, have already seen two offers for Branthwaite knocked back, the latest of which came in at £50m — £20m short of Everton’s asking price.

But Branthwaite’s absence against Sligo wasn’t related to any sort of transfer activity, with the defender simply struggling for match fitness. Dyche revealed that he will be back in action soon.

He added: “Jarrad is making good progress as are Patto and Dele so we’ll see how those guys go. At this stage, it’s nothing too serious so we’re thankful for that.”

Up next for Everton is another friendly against League Two side Salford City on Saturday.

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Ugarte agrees terms with Man Utd, Rabiot wants EPL move and more

Fabrizio Romano — Fri, 19 Jul 2024 18:00:00 +0000

This article was originally published on Fabrizio Romano’s Daily Briefing, a subscription service. If you would like to receive Fabrizio Romano’s exclusive articles via email ahead of publication on caughtoffside.com, please sign-up for the service here: thedailybriefing.io

—

Man United agree terms with Ugarte, one more defender wanted

Manuel Ugarte

Man United have an agreement with Manuel Ugarte on personal terms, he wants the move. Now it depends on Man United and PSG to agree on the fee, while Casemiro or McTominay could leave the club with a good proposal.

What does it mean guys? It means that Manchester United after the centre-back, Leny Yoro, after the striker, Joshua Zirkzee, are also ready to work on the midfield.

The exit of Casemiro remains an important part of the story, but honestly guys, I can’t confirm anything regarding rumours that United are having trouble selling him, which could cause problems on Ugarte and so on, no.

Interest from Saudi in Casemiro remains but sometimes it just takes time to agree on contract, transfer fee and more.

United already have the green light for Manuel Ugarte as a potential new midfielder, the contract has been discussed and – this is an important detail – with the same agent who takes care of Leny Yoro, Jorge Mendes.

Jorge Mendes is still a very big name, obviously, in the market, and Manchester United also have a very good relationship with Paris Saint-Germain – another important point.

If PSG receive the right proposal this is a story that could be a concrete one in the next days, in the next few weeks.

Man United also won the race for Leny Yoro, one of the most talented defenders in the world, but it’s not over yet as United are working on the possibility to bring in another centre-back.

It will take probably some days to understand what’s going to happen with the outgoings and with the entire domino of the market for Manchester United, but keep an eye on that position because United could do something else.

They are in contact with Bayern for Matthijs de Ligt but they never agreed on the fee, they were in conversation. Jarrad Branthwaite is another player they appreciate but at the moment he’s considered too expensive.

Vitor Roque off to USA, Raphinha goes public and an important Nico Williams update

Vitor Roque and Raphinha

The current situation with Vitor Roque is that he’s expected to travel on FC Barcelona’s pre-season tour of the USA, then we will see what happens.

There are no talks ongoing now but we have to see what happens with Vitor based on Financial Fair Play too, it’s an open situation. This pre-season could be important for him, for sure.

Sticking with Barça, despite the rumours, I have zero information on contacts between Premier League clubs and Raphinha at the moment guys.

Also the player has gone public this week to confirm his plan to stay at Barça, so really quiet around Raphinha at the moment.

I’ve also had many questions on the situation of Nico Williams guys.

Barcelona’s sporting director, Deco, had a meeting with the agent of the player in Zaragoza, and they’re trying to be fast on agreeing personal terms with Nico Williams, because they believe that reaching an agreement with Nico on the project, on the salary, on the contract is important.

Barça know that Premier League clubs are coming. Barça know that big Premier League clubs are already trying to understand what’s going to happen and, maybe, they hope in England that things could collapse for Barcelona because of Financial Fair Play, so that they can enter the race.

We know about the interest of Chelsea and Arsenal who are keeping a close eye to the situation. He’s still very expensive for both clubs because the clause has to be paid in one solution; big commission, big salary.

This is why, for example, one month ago, Chelsea decided to go slower on the story of Nico Williams, but in case Barcelona don’t close the deal, Chelsea and Arsenal are attentive to the situation.

Adrien Rabiot wants Premier League move, many clubs interested

Adrien Rabiot

Since June, Rabiot was expected to leave Juventus and it’s now been confirmed.

Juventus offered €7m net per season for Rabiot but he didn’t want to accept, he wanted to try something different. So Rabiot communicated to Juventus that he was not going to stay, and Juve already decided to move on.

He has several possibilities around Europe and his mother Veronique spoke to 5/6 clubs in recent weeks, in several countries, and they’re keeping all the options open.

I don’t want to mention all the clubs because it’s a really long list and some of them are not even concrete at the moment… it’s just talks.

For sure, the dream of Adrien Rabiot is Premier League football, so that remains a possibility – to wait for a Premier League opportunity. Otherwise he has many offers, many opportunities on the table.

Adrien Rabiot is a free agent and so is obviously a big possibility, a big opportunity and this is why many clubs are enquiring about the situation.

But what I can guarantee to you today is that Adrien Rabiot is tempted by the Premier League. His dream is the Premier League. He believes that his skills are perfect for Premier League football.

He’s a wonderful midfielder but also physical and that could be a crucial factor, so let’s see if he gets the proposal he wants.

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Jul 22 2024, 19:50

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Jul 22 2024, 19:49

Manchester United’s sale of Greenwood includes clause that leaves door open for future return

Jul 22 2024, 18:44

West Ham chasing Reiss Nelson but not “close” yet

West Ham have been busy in the current transfer window and are still working as usual on several deals, including for a new striker and one more centre back.

It’s not “close” yet but for sure Reiss Nelson is expected to leave Arsenal this summer and he’s one of the names on West Ham’s list. They like him, but nothing is imminent yet as still at initial stages.

No change on Virgil van Dijk’s situation

Lots of rumours surrounding Liverpool captain, Virgil van Dijk, but as we already mentioned here the day after his recent statement guys, so far the situation is quiet.

Liverpool have not received any proposal, Virgil is on holiday, so again it’s quiet around van Dijk and Liverpool are waiting for him to come back from his holidays.

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Man United are working on ambitious plan to bring new signings at Old Trafford

Ahad Shaukat — Sat, 13 Jul 2024 05:15:17 +0000

Manchester United’s summer transfer business has started as they have agreed a deal to sign Bologna striker Joshua Zirkzee.

The Red Devils are expected to be busy in the transfer market in the next few weeks as they are simultaneously working on a number of deals to improve the quality of their squad.

They are keen to add players in attack, midfield and defense this summer after struggling in the Premier League last season and finishing eighth.

Despite winning the FA Cup and ending the season successfully, there shortcomings are well documented and there is a desperate need of quality signings to address their issues.

According to Sky Sports, the Red Devils are currently involved in talks to sign four new players having already agreed a deal to sign Dutch attacker Zirkzee.

The Bologna attacker will become the first signing of the INEOS era as Sir Jim Ratcliffe is determined to back manager Erik ten Hag this summer by providing him players to compete for trophies next season.

The Red Devils are working on deals to sign Matthijs de Ligt, Jarrad Branthwaite and Leny Yoro with the club preparing for a complete overhaul of their shaky defense.

Matthijs de Ligt to Man United?

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Manchester United’s sale of Greenwood includes clause that leaves door open for future return

Leicester City agree deal for Juventus ace but player not keen on joining the Foxes

They conceded 58 goals in the Premier League last season, one more than they scored, which has made it obvious that there is a need to add reliable additions in the defensive department.

The club have lost Raphael Varane this summer after his contract expired while players like Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof have failed to impress when given the opportunity to play, making it evident that there is a need for fresh faces in defense at Old Trafford.

Man United are desperate for defensive signings

The report states that the Red Devils will want at least one of the three defenders mentioned to join the club, however, signing more than one of them depends on players who will be sold.

Not only a defender but a midfielder could also join the club this summer if Casemiro leaves amid rumours of interest from Saudi Arabia.

The new hierarchy at Old Trafford have wasted no time in showing intent in the market.

The fans would be delighted with the work the club has done so far in the summer.

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Transfer news: Yoro Man Utd bid accepted, Calafiori Arsenal latest, Grealish Man City future & more

Fabrizio Romano — Wed, 10 Jul 2024 15:50:00 +0000

This article was originally published on Fabrizio Romano’s Daily Briefing, a subscription service. If you would like to receive Fabrizio Romano’s exclusive transfer news via email ahead of publication on caughtoffside.com, please sign-up for the service here: thedailybriefing.io

One in, one out up front for Manchester United

Manchester United have reached an agreement in principle with Marseille over the sale of Mason Greenwood. This was one of the main missions for Man United this summer, and now the agreement between the clubs is done, so we’re now just waiting for a full agreement with the player. Marseille already have the green light from Greenwood, who is tempted by the project and the club and working under Roberto de Zerbi, but we’re still waiting on the contracts.

It will now be time to finalise the salary and also there are specific bonuses wanted by Greenwood, so there are still some details to be discussed between the player and Marseille, but the agreement between the clubs is done. Greenwood will join for €31m with add-ons included as part of this package, and, an important detail, Man United will have a future sell-on clause worth almost 50%.

This is a big percentage, and it’s because Manchester United feel that after Marseille we could see Greenwood join another big club in Europe, so they want the opportunity to make more money from his future sale.

This money will be important for Man United to reinvest in some positions. One of those positions is the striker, and with Joshua Zirkzee everything is going to plan. The ‘here we go’ is coming, it’s just Manchester United deciding how to proceed – they could pay the release clause at Bologna, or pay slightly above it but then get better payment terms, allowing them to pay it over maybe three, four or five years.

For now, United are still discussing this point, as soon as they clarify this the deal will get done. So it’s just a matter of time, we can just wait for Man United to decide soon which way they want to follow. But it’s all agreed with Zirkzee for a five-year contract, valid until June 2029… he’s waiting for Man United. Let’s see what the clubs agree, but after the Euros it could be soon that we see Zirkzee become the first new signing of the INEOS era.

Leny Yoro bid accepted, but Man United still pursuing other centre-backs as well

Another big story from yesterday was Man United’s official bid for Leny Yoro, which was accepted by Lille. The club president Olivier Letang is now pushing for Yoro to join Man United, as that is now the best proposal they have on the table – it’s €50m plus add-ons that could take the deal up to €60m.

So, Man United are offering big money to Lille to anticipate all the other clubs, but now the decision is for Yoro. Lille hope he will decide to go Old Trafford, but Real Madrid are still there, they are still confident and feel they are in control. Why? Because Real Madrid have been very clear – the only way to close the deal is on their conditions, they will not over-pay for Yoro when he’s due to be out of contract next summer. Real Madrid are ready to wait to get the deal done on their terms, or to even close the deal on a free transfer next summer because they know Yoro will not sign a new deal, and that he wants to join Real Madrid.

Now it’s on Yoro and his decision – will he accept Man United or wait for Real Madrid? Real Madrid know that Yoro’s dream is to play for them, and also Man United won’t wait forever because they are also looking at other centre-backs and they don’t want this to be something that drags on throughout the summer. Man United wanted to try and show ambition, so it’s never a wasted effort or something negative, in my opinion. They tried to be ‘aggressive’ in a positive sense, trying to show their intentions…now it’s on Yoro.

As previously reported, Matthijs de Ligt is another of their defensive targets, and talks are ongoing with Bayern Munich. Man United are very confident as their agreement with the player is almost done, they’re working on the final details, but De Ligt wants to join Man United, so it’s now about finding an agreement with Bayern.

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Leicester City agree deal for Juventus ace but player not keen on joining the Foxes

Jarrad Branthwaite is another defender United have been trying to sign, and they’ve now had two bids rejected by Everton. The second bid was £45m plus add-ons, but Everton said no and keep mentioning other recent expensive centre-backs like Harry Maguire, Wesley Fofana and Josko Gvardiol. Everton do not feel any pressure to sell Branthwaite, but United are still thinking of the player.

In midfield, talks are ongoing for Manuel Ugarte. Manchester United are keen on the Uruguay international, and he’s keen on the move as well. It depends on the clubs as Man United and PSG are in contact but not close to getting the deal done yet. Negotiations are needed, and it could take some days as PSG insist on there being other clubs also showing a concrete interest in Ugarte.

In other news…

Riccardo Calafiori – Negotiations are still ongoing between Arsenal and Bologna for Riccardo Calafiori. It’s not a done deal yet between clubs, only done on player side with a five-year contract agreed but still discussing the fee, deal structure, add-ons and more. We can just wait and see what happens between Arsenal and Bologna. Calafiori wants Arsenal and is waiting for Arsenal.

Mikel Merino – The Spain midfielder is on the list at Barcelona for sure, appreciated by the board; Arsenal have also been tracking him as he’s considered a good market opportunity with one year left on his contract, while Mikel Arteta also follows Real Sociedad regularly. Let’s see what happens, it’s still early for this one with all options open.

Jack Grealish – There have been some new rumours about Jack Grealish and his future at Manchester City possibly being in doubt. Still, I can honestly say I don’t have any concrete info on Grealish now. I’m not hearing anything new, decisions, bid or anything… it’s all quiet around him at Man City now. We will see.

The post Transfer news: Yoro Man Utd bid accepted, Calafiori Arsenal latest, Grealish Man City future & more appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Man United get swift answer from Everton after second Branthwaite bid

Jason Pettigrove — Tue, 09 Jul 2024 08:33:21 +0000

Man United transfer target, Jarrad Branthwaite, is evidently a player that is very much in demand this summer.

The 22-year-old Everton centre-back wasn’t taken by Gareth Southgate as part of his final squad to Germany for the European Championship, though that shouldn’t necessarily be seen as a reflection of his footballing prowess.

With Gareth Southgate expected to leave the position of England manager once the Three Lions participation in the European Championship has concluded, any new incumbent would be hard pressed to think of a reason not to include Branthwaite in future squads.

Everton reject second Man United bid for Branthwaite

In any event, Man United had already made their intentions regarding the player clear, having made a bid believed to be in the region of £35m for him.

That was swiftly rebuffed by the Toffees, though Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Erik ten Hag appear not to have been deterred and have now submitted a second offer.

?? Everton have already rejected Man United bid for Jarred Branthwaite on Monday night, as soon as they received it.

£45m plus £5m add-ons considered as proposal far from price tag, as Everton see Branthwaite similar to Gvardiol and more top players. pic.twitter.com/MuTY9fmIO5

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 9, 2024

According to CaughtOffside columnist and transfer expert, Fabrizio Romano, the new bid is for £45m plus £5m in add-ons, but this too has been rejected out of hand.

It’s understood that Everton want closer to £60m/£70m to get them around the negotiating table, so any further lowballing from the Old Trafford outfit might not have the effect intended.

From the player’s own point of view, it isn’t clear if he’s willing to dig his heels in to help force through a move or if he’s happy staying where he is for now.

What is clear is that the Red Devils really need to up the ante if they want to begin the new Premier League campaign with a squad worthy of challenging for honours both domestically and in Europe.

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Man United’s delaying tactics on Joshua Zirkzee fee symptomatic of lowballing antics under Sir Jim

Jason Pettigrove — Tue, 09 Jul 2024 05:12:27 +0000

It’s thought that Man United are well down the road to signing Dutch international striker, Joshua Zirkzee, though issues with regards to payment of his transfer fee could delay matters unnecessarily.

According to The Guardian (subscription required), the club have something of a dilemma on their hands.

They’re unsure whether to pay the entire fee, rumoured to be €40m (£34m), to Bologna, or try to negotiate a slightly higher fee but only so that they can then pay for the player in instalments.

Man United might have to pay in instalments for Zirkzee

Given that their apparent second offer of £45m for Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite is still nowhere close to the £60m/£70m that the Toffees have specified will bring them to the table too, it speaks of a club under Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s guidance that are trying to do things as cheap as possible at this juncture.

For supporters that want to see world class exponents arriving at Old Trafford, that may seem like the sort of business practices that would’ve been employed by the Glazer family.

Joshua Zirkzee to Manchester United is “almost there”

The first proper transfer window under Sir Jim wasn’t meant to be like this. Where are the world class names arriving to shake up the dressing room?

Far from having money to spend this summer, it appears that Erik ten Hag will have to sell before he can buy, meaning that the club have a job on their hands in not only getting rid of their dead wood, but also considering bids for their players who might bring in the most money.

Evidently a case of two steps forward and one back at this stage, and that wasn’t a major selling point for supporters to get on board with Ratcliffe’s vision.

Time will tell if this summer is another false dawn in the North West.

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Man United to make decision on their pursuit of 22-year-old PL ace in a meeting today

Saikat Chatterjee — Mon, 08 Jul 2024 10:10:22 +0000

Manchester United have been linked with a move for the Everton defender Jarrad Brathwaite in recent weeks.

The Red Devils are keen on signing the 22-year-old Everton defender, but the Toffees are demanding a substantial amount of money for the player.

Manchester United have reportedly had an offer turned down for the English defender and they are now set to decide whether to return with an improved offer for the English defender.

Manchester United will hold a recruitment meeting later today in order to discuss their plan of action in the transfer market. According to Daily Mail, they will make decisions on the pursuit of Joshua Zirkzee and Matthijs de Ligt as well.

It will be interesting to see if Manchester United can bring in defensive reinforcements this summer. They will need to improve the squad if they want to challenge for major trophies next season.

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Jarrad Branthwaite to Manchester United?

Jarrad Branthwaite would transform Man United

Improving the defensive unit should be one of their priorities. The Red Devils conceded 58 goals in the league last season and it is an area that is in need of improvement. Someone like Branthwaite could prove to be an exceptional acquisition. He is well settled in the Premier League and he has proven himself to be a reliable performer for Everton.

The young defender has the quality to play for the biggest teams in the country and the opportunity to join Manchester United will be quite attractive for him. The Red Devils might not have been at their best in recent years, but they are one of the biggest clubs in the world. They have a talented squad and the resources to compete for major trophies in the coming seasons.

A move to Old Trafford would be a major step up in the career of the Everton defender and he will hope that all parties can come to an agreement.

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Meeting today: Man United set for transfer talks, £70m star among names to be discussed

Mark Brus — Mon, 08 Jul 2024 06:05:31 +0000

Manchester United will reportedly hold an important recruitment meeting today, with names like Joshua Zirkzee, Matthijs de Ligt and Jarrad Branthwaite expected to be the names discussed, according to the Daily Mail.

Transfer news expert Fabrizio Romano has previously reported on Dutch duo Zirkzee and De Ligt looking like moving closer to moves to Old Trafford, as per the below post on X (formerly Twitter) yesterday, while Branthwaite has also been strongly linked as a top target for Man Utd, though not at the £70million asking price Everton are said to be demanding for the talented young English defender, as per a recent report from ESPN.

? Manchester United have green light from both Joshua Zirkzee and Matthijs de Ligt to join the club.

Both players have spoken to Erik ten Hag with Man United now ready to advance on club side in the coming days.

It’s all approved on salary/commission also for Zirkzee. pic.twitter.com/3smr51uuOa

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 7, 2024

Zirkzee and De Ligt should be fine signings for United, giving Erik ten Hag more options in defence and attack, but it’s clear that there’s probably room for another central defender like Branthwaite to join as well.

Raphael Varane has just left MUFC as a free agent and will need replacing, but many fans would also argue that Harry Maguire is no longer first-choice material, so also needs replacing, while Lisandro Martinez is a fine player but has proven rather injury-prone.

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