Manchester United trying to agree early deal with Everton for Jarrad Branthwaite | OneFootball

Manchester United’s midfield and defensive reserves were severely depleted before their FA Cup semi-final against Coventry City on Sunday.

Young Willy Kambwala joined four of his senior centre-back compatriots on the sidelines while Sofyan Amrabat and Mason Mount both suffered injuries in the build-up to the game.

That meant manager Erik ten Hag was forced to play Casemiro alongside the only fit senior centre-back at his disposal, Harry Maguire against the Championship side.

But even this abnormally high number of injuries cannot be an excuse to hide behind especially after conceding three goals in 30 minutes against the Sky Blues in the oldest cup competition in the world.

Defensive additions required

This was the 14th times the Red Devils have conceded three or more goals this season, and despite entry into back-to-back finals, new co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has a huge call to take with regards to the managerial situation.

With so many injuries and uncertainty surrounding the futures of almost all centre-backs, the defence is in dire need of an overhaul.

Raphael Varane’s deal ends in June as does Jonny Evans’ contract while both Maguire and Victor Lindelof have been linked with potential exits this summer.

The Peoples Person had relayed that the club is looking at bringing in two centre-backs and one of the most frequently linked stars is Jarrad Branthwaite of Everton.

The Toffees need to sell in order to remain compliant with PSR rules and INEOS are ready to take advantage. Reportedly, Everton are looking at earning £70 million from his sale while initial reports had pegged his price to be a ludicrous £100 million.

The 21-year-old has looked wobbly at times, while his price is abnormally high but the England international fits INEOS’ vision of recruiting young, British players.

According to Football Insider, United are ready to agree an early deal so as to avoid a bidding war with the likes of Chelsea, Manchester City and even Real Madrid interested in the Carlisle-born star.

“Man United are pushing ahead to agree an early deal with Everton for defender Jarrad Branthwaite, sources have told Football Insider.

Early deal for Jarrad

“The Premier League giants are long-term admirers of the 21-year-old and are ready to make him their first capture in the off-season, as well as the first of Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s INEOS regime.

“A well-placed source has told Football Insider that Branthwaite is the “top target” for Man United as they look to revamp their defence this summer.

“It is believed club chiefs, including new technical director Jason Wilcox, plan to make Branthwaite the cornerstone of their defence going forward. Sources say the left-sided centre-back is seen as the “long-term answer” to United’s defensive problems.”

Branthwaite is in the top three percent among Premier League defenders for duels won, interceptions and recoveries (via Fotmob) and considering his age, he is bound to improve further in a well-oiled machine.

New technical director Jason Wilcox is a fan and if INEOS can get him for cheaper than Everton’s asking price, it could prove to be a shrewd long-term acquisition for the club.

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