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Manchester United Revive Interest in Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite Amid Defensive Concerns

Amorim Eyes Defensive Reinforcements

Manchester United are preparing to reignite their pursuit of Everton centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite as Ruben Amorim begins planning for the next phase of his rebuild at Old Trafford. According to Metro, Amorim is expected to oversee significant changes in defence in the coming months, with Harry Maguire likely to leave and continued uncertainty surrounding Lisandro Martinez’s fitness.

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United’s interest in Branthwaite is not new. The England international has been admired by the club for several years, but previous approaches fell short due to Everton’s valuation. That stance may soften as Everton continue to manage their finances and United’s need for defensive stability becomes increasingly urgent.

Branthwaite, who turned 22 this summer, has established himself as one of the Premier League’s most reliable young defenders. His composure on the ball, aerial dominance and positional maturity have made him a standout performer at Goodison Park. United view him as a long-term solution, capable of anchoring their defence for years to come.

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Maguire Exit and Martinez Concerns

Harry Maguire’s time at Manchester United appears to be nearing its conclusion. The 32-year-old, who joined from Leicester City for £80 million in 2019, is expected to depart when his contract expires at the end of the season. United triggered a 12-month extension in early 2025 but will not offer a new long-term deal.

Interest has come from the Saudi Pro League, with Metro reporting that both Al-Nassr and Al-Ettifaq are considering formal approaches. Maguire, who has made over 250 appearances for United, could be tempted by one final major contract abroad as his England career fades.

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In his own words, Maguire acknowledged earlier this season that his future remains uncertain: “I’m sure over the next few months they’ll sit down and we’ll have to have a conversation about where we want to go and if they want to extend, or obviously the transfer window will open again in January.”

Meanwhile, Lisandro Martinez’s ongoing injury problems have compounded Amorim’s defensive worries. Signed for £57 million from Ajax in 2022, the Argentine centre-back has struggled for fitness, managing only 14 appearances last season and none so far this campaign due to a serious knee injury.

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Branthwaite the Ideal Fit

United’s pursuit of Branthwaite fits both their short- and long-term ambitions. At 6ft 5in, he offers physical presence and technical assurance, attributes that align with Amorim’s vision of a composed yet commanding back line. His ability to play out from defence would complement the progressive football the Portuguese coach is trying to instil.

Everton, for their part, are aware that Branthwaite’s value could peak over the next year. The defender’s recent England call-up and consistent performances have made him one of the league’s most sought-after defenders. Both Liverpool and Chelsea are also monitoring his situation, ensuring any United approach would come amid fierce competition.

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The Toffees resisted interest from several top clubs last summer, placing a valuation of around £70 million on their academy graduate. United’s recruitment team, however, believe a structured deal with performance-related clauses could make negotiations more manageable. Amorim has made strengthening his defensive core a priority ahead of the 2025-26 campaign, particularly with multiple senior players nearing the exit.

Planning for the Future

Under Amorim, United have shifted towards strategic squad building. The aim is to reduce reliance on ageing players while developing a younger, more athletic foundation capable of sustaining the demands of elite football. Branthwaite represents that profile perfectly, English, homegrown, and still years from his prime.

As things stand, United are expected to open informal discussions with Everton before January. The timing of Maguire’s exit and Martinez’s recovery could shape the level of urgency. Regardless, Branthwaite remains high on the club’s shortlist, with Amorim keen to secure his signature before rivals move more decisively.

If United are to restore consistency and authority at the back, Branthwaite may well be the cornerstone of that transformation.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

Jarrad Branthwaite would be an inspired signing. Fans have grown frustrated with the club’s defensive instability and recurring injury issues, and Branthwaite’s profile ticks every box for what the team has lacked, composure, strength, and reliability.

Supporters remember how quickly Martinez transformed the defence when he first arrived, bringing aggression and leadership. Yet, the inability to keep him fit has left United without a consistent partnership alongside Matthijs de Ligt or Harry Maguire. Branthwaite would not only fill that gap but could also become the foundation of a younger, more cohesive back line.

There will, of course, be scepticism about Everton’s valuation. United fans have seen their club pay inflated fees before, but most would agree that Branthwaite’s Premier League experience and potential justify serious investment. The fact that Liverpool and Chelsea are interested only underlines his quality.

Ultimately, fans want a defender who embodies reliability and ambition, two qualities United’s back line has missed. Branthwaite fits both. If the club can make this deal happen, it could finally mark a turning point in rebuilding the defensive structure that has too often faltered in recent seasons.