Manchester United’s Lisandro Martinez has had an injury-plagued season, which means another left-footed centre defender may be required.
Martinez is a great centre defender when he is available and one of the best acquisitions made during the Erik ten Hag era.
The Argentine has had a tough season, starting just seven Premier League games and suffering various injury setbacks.
Martinez is unique among United’s left-footed centre backs.
Luke Shaw has played that position at times, but he has also struggled with injuries, so United will need to sign another left-footed defender this summer.
The summer transfer season is quickly coming, and players like as Max Kilman, Castello Lukeba, and Alessandro Bastoni have already been linked with United.
All of those players are left-footed centre backs, which seems to be United’s top aim this summer – but one prospect sticks out above the others.
Manchester United lead the Jarrad Branthwaite race
According to the Sun, United are the ‘favourites’ to sign Everton centre defender Jarrad Branthwaite this summer.
According to reports, United want to take advantage of Everton’s need for cash this summer by seeking to reduce their £80 million value.
Everton may need to sell Branthwaite before June 30th in order to balance their books after already receiving points reductions under the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules.
Previous rumours said that United would want to purchase Branthwaite for roughly £50 million, which is far less than Everton’s asking price.
Everton’s financial condition suggests that United may attempt to strike a hard bargain, while the Toffees would reportedly prefer to trade midfielder Amadou Onana to generate finances.
Branthwaite, described as ‘very remarkable’ by Jamie Carragher, is the one generating the most attention, and United are willing to put money on the table.
It may not be the deal Everton wants, but many United supporters will appreciate Ineos’ ruthlessness in attempting to sign a quality player for less than anticipated.
Branthwaite may partner Martinez.
It’s unusual to see two left-footed centre backs together.
Nobody blinks an eye when two right-footers start together, but two left-footers are seen as more unusual.
Branthwaite is also comfortable on his right foot, and his sheer stature (6ft 5in) makes him a suitable defensive partner for Martinez.
Martinez’s lack of height has been highlighted on several times, but signing a physically powerful teammate like Branthwaite may provide United with an excellent centre back partnership for a long time.
Branthwaite may be seen as the perfect addition due to his ability to cover for Martinez while still playing alongside him and being a local star.
Branthwaite seems to check all of the necessary boxes, suggesting that a big United bid might be coming this summer.
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