Rio Ferdinand: £60m January move for Premier League star fails to make sense | OneFootball

Talks linking Jarrad Branthwaite to Manchester United have reignited with full force.

According to a report relayed by The Peoples Person, INEOS plan to submit a £60 million bid for Branthwaite, who is reportedly feeling “unsettled” at Hill Dickinson Stadium. The tempting offer is expected to arrive in the winter transfer window.

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United have been tracking the Englishman for a while, and after seeing a couple of bids rejected, it makes sense that they are going back in for him.

Even so, whether United actually need him is a debate in itself.

After failing to land him in the summer of 2024, INEOS still pulled off some brilliant centre-back signings, bringing in Matthijs de Ligt and Leny Yoro.

Although De Ligt and Yoro did not instantly hit the ground running, they have gradually grown into this United side.

The defensive duo have since established themselves as dependable figures in Amorim’s system.

De Ligt has become a real force this season, while Yoro has quietly impressed as well.

Looking at this United team, central defence seems the least urgent area to invest in when the window reopens.

And while that is glaringly obvious, if INEOS need further convincing that they can do without the £60 million Branthwaite signing, they only need to hear Rio Ferdinand.

Yoro better than Branthwaite

Speaking to Goal Fan Zone, Ferdinand was asked to rate Premier League defenders.

When asked to choose between Yoro and Branthwaite, Ferdinand did not hesitate; he said, “Leny Yoro.”

To Ferdinand, Yoro is not just better than Branthwaite; he also outshines Chelsea’s Levi Colwill, and his ceiling surpasses that of Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi.

He was then asked to choose between Josko Gvardiol and Yoro.

The United legend conceded that the Manchester City star currently holds the edge. However, he firmly believes Yoro will eventually eclipse him.

So, ultimately, with Yoro already in the squad, the Red Devils splashing £60 million on Branthwaite does not make sense.

Other pressing transfer needs

Had United had no other pressing needs, the move may have made sense.

But right now, spending that kind of money on a midfield signing would be far more sensible.

Amorim’s engine room is crying out for quality additions; that is where the funds should be channelled.

Branthwaite could have been an excellent signing for United, but he may have missed his Old Trafford chance.

Featured image Gareth Copley via Getty Images

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