How Man Utd would line up with Jarrad Branthwaite

Cameron Smith

14 Jun 2024 19:00 BST
4 min read

Manchester United have accelerated their pursuit of Jarrad Branthwaite and have officially submitted their first offer for the Everton defender.

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READ MORE: Premier League summer transfers 2024 - All the Done Deals" target="_blank">The Athletic’s David Ornstein has revealed that Erik ten Hag’s side have lodged a €41.5 million (£35m) bid for the Englishman, while The Guardian have reported that this offer is €53.4m (£45m) when including add-ons.

FootballTransfers understands that Branthwaite has verbally agreed terms with Man Utd ahead of a potential summer move from Everton, although the Toffees want an overall package to reach at least €77m (£65m).

We have been informed that there is confidence an agreement will be struck, with the Red Devils earmarking Branthwaite as a key transfer target.

If Man Utd are able to sign the Everton defender, how will he fit in at Old Trafford?

EXCLUSIVE: Man Utd set to seal Branthwaite switch as Everton talks advance

How Man Utd will would line up with Jarrad Branthwaite

Despite their intense pursuit of Branthwaite, Man Utd already have Lisandro Martinez in their ranks and it feels unlikely that they will start together due to the fact they are both left-footed.

Erik ten Hag has always preferred to play with one left-footed and one right-footed centre-back during his time at Old Trafford, with the benefit of improved passing angles a clear incentive.

As a result, Branthwaite and Martinez are unlikely to start together. With the Argentine’s recent injury troubles and the fact Man Utd will play in Europe, however, they will be enough minutes for the pair to share.

© IMAGO - Man Utd want to sign Jarrad Branthwaite

Signing a Raphael Varane replacement is seemingly still on Man Utd’s radar, but until a right-footed centre-back arrives, it seems as though Harry Maguire is currently Branthwaite’s most likely partner.

Diogo Dalot and Luke Shaw will be Ten Hag’s first-choice full-back pairing, Andre Onana will remain in goal, and Kobbie Mainoo is a guaranteed starter in midfield.

Casemiro appears as though he could be heading to Saudi Arabia, but without a replacement nailed on, the Brazilian could be in line to start next to Mainoo.

Bruno Fernandes will play in the No.10 position, while Alejandro Garnacho and Marcus Rashford will remain the preferred wingers. Michael Olise would likely become first-choice if he arrives from Crystal Palace.

Denmark international Rasmus Hojlund will lead the line.