Manchester United’s manager, Sir Jim Ratcliffe, is looking to bolster his defence.
Manchester United’s manager, Sir Jim Ratcliffe, is looking to bolster his defence.
Supposedly, plans are afoot to sign TWO A-list players this summer to shore up Manchester United’s central defence, which manager Sir Jim Ratcliffe has singled out as a key area of improvement at Old Trafford.
Man Utd’s central defensive pairings have been all over the place this season, with Harry Maguire, Raphael Varane, Jonny Evans, Victor Lindelof, and Lisandro Martinez serving as the Red Devils’ centre backs. Among them, Varane has made the most appearances (30) with 27 appearances, followed by Maguire and Lindelof with 27 each.
The future of Varane is being questioned due to rumours that Ratcliffe is considering trading him. Additionally, veteran star Evans’ contract is set to expire at the end of the season. Apparently, the British billionaire, who has been granted full sporting control by the Glazers as part of his £1.3 billion investment into 27.7 percent of the club, sees this position as a significant weakness in the team’s arsenal.
Despite having a plethora of alternatives in that position, Erik ten Hag was compelled to use a fresh pairing on Sunday, starting teenage sensation Willy Kambwala with Maguire in the centre of defence against Liverpool.
The 19-year-old proved himself to be a valuable asset to the club, putting up a respectable performance against Jurgen Klopp’s squad. So, according to reports, the Red Devils are about to give the former Sochaux prospect a new contract to replace the one that is now slated to expire in summer 2025.
Man Utd defence pairing to be announced by Ratcliffe
Given Martinez’s persistent health problems, which have all but ruined his second season at United, it’s probable that United will keep seeing opportunities for Kambwala for the rest of the season.
But with Varane and Evans both certain to go, Ratcliffe has set his sights on two defensive signings for the summer and is allegedly prepared to shell out a pretty penny to get them.
The Daily Mirror reports that United have Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite as their primary target.
With a breakout season for the Toffees, the 21-year-old established himself as a top young central defender in England and earned a spot on the national side.
It is widely assumed that the Toffees will have to consider selling a star player this summer due to their well-documented financial woes.
In light of this, TEAMtalk has learned from reliable sources that United will make a serious attempt to sign the former PSV loanee this summer.
According to reports, Ratcliffe is prepared to pay the minimum £75 million demanded by Everton for the services of the defender.
As Juventus seek a successor, Manchester United are interested in Gleison Bremer as well
Another defender on their want list is Gleison Bremer of Juventus, who is supposedly being courted by United’s soon-to-be sports director Dan Ashworth.
One of the most feared central defenders in Serie A, the Brazilian may depart for €60 million (£50 million) in the summer of 2025 according to a provision in his contract.
United are reportedly inquiring with Juve regarding the 27-year-old’s summer transfer status, according to il Corriere dello Sport. But if the Bianconeri do decide to sell, they will probably use that asking price as a starting point for any negotiations.
The article states that Juve is interested in selling him for a number of reasons, including the opportunity to recoup their €40 million investment and the fact that they have approached Bologna’s Riccardo Calafiori about a possible successor.
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