It would not be unfair to claim Manchester United have been a mixed bag in the Premier League this season.
Ruben Amorim has made progress, though, with his crop of players losing just two of their past 11 matches in the top flight, albeit with many performances still leaving something to be desired.
But United are in contention to restore their place in European competition next season, and while midfielders Bruno Fernandes and Kobbie Mainoo have been ruled out for the immediate future, the system is slowly threading together.
Amorim will have to show some adaptability, but in fairness, he’s done a bit of that of late. But there’s no question that assistance from afar will be needed, and INEOS are already planning for a marquee move or two in 2026.
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Amorim’s controversial system still leaves something to be desired, and the absence of Mainoo and Fernandes is bound to accentuate the desperate need for a robust, all-action midfielder.
However, United’s recent interest in Bournemouth forward Antoine Semenyo emphasises the desire to strengthen across the board, and recent news suggests that technical director Jason Wilcox is looking at the other end of Old Trafford too.
Indeed, according to Caught Offside, Man United have compiled a list of centre-back targets to sign at the end of the season, and Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite sits right at the top.
In 2024, United pushed to sign the England international, but were rebuffed upon learning of the Toffees’ £80m price tag. With Branthwaite having been absent all season due to injury, the Red Devils will hope that they can whittle that one down. £70m appears to be the latest asking price if reports are to be believed.
How Jarrad Branthwaite compares to Leny Yoro
This season, Man United have not been the most secure from a defensive standpoint. Partly, injuries have called the younger members into significant roles, and this has hampered someone like Leny Yoro.
The 20-year-old is an elite talent, but he’s been out of sorts this season, error-strewn, and content creator Adam Joseph acknowledged that he is “going through a tough period in his development”.
Everton’s Branthwaite could be the perfect alternative, someone who has survived harsh storms in the Premier League and has been coveted by the top outfits for some time.
Having joined the Merseysiders from Carlisle United for just £1m back in 2020, Branthwaite, 23, stands at 6 foot 6 and has strength in abundance. He is a stern defender, and his simple passing game could be just what is needed to feed the midfielders ahead of him.
It’s clear from the current campaign that he would be an upgrade on Yoro.
Aerially, the French prospect is already sturdy and reliable, but he’s only won half of his ground battles in the Premier League this season, and that is a flaw that is playing to the detriment of Amorim’s tactical set-up.
Branthwaite vs Yoro in the Premier League
Match Stats (* per game)
Branthwaite (24/25)
Yoro (25/26)
Matches (starts)
30 (28)
17 (11)
Goals
0
0
Assists
1
0
Clean sheets
8
0
Touches*
51.9
43.1
Accurate passes*
32.7 (83%)
30.5 (88%)
Ball recoveries*
3.1
2.6
Tackles + interceptions*
2.1
1.9
Clearances*
6.3
2.5
Ground duels won*
1.9 (69%)
1.3 (50%)
Aerial duels won*
2.1 (59%)
1.6 (64%)
Data via Sofascore
Declared an “absolute monster” of a centre-half in the past by talent scout Jacek Kulig, Branthwaite has what it takes to not only replace Yoro in Man United’s starting line-up but become Amorim’s most important defensive cog, perhaps even more so than the likes of Lisandro Martinez and Matthijs De Ligt.
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Composed and as powerful as anyone in the English top flight, Branthwaite would be a jackpot signing for a side looking to return to the top.
Man United have enjoyed flashes of progress over the past few months, but there’s little to suggest that external aid is not needed.
Harry Maguire and De Ligt’s injury absences at the moment have laid bare Yoro’s deficiencies, and Branthwaite’s power and resilience, hardened over career beginnings with Everton, suggest he could be the perfect upgrade.
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