Man Utd in danger of Branthwaite repeat as Ratcliffe plays hardball over De Ligt transfer

Suraj Radia

28 Jun 2024 20:00 BST
4 min read

Jarrad Branthwaite, Sir Jim Ratcliffe, Matthijs de Ligt, Man Utd — © IMAGO

Manchester United are ‘seriously considering’ a move for Matthijs de Ligt this summer but Erik ten Hag’s side will have to step up their efforts for the Bayern Munich defender to avoid a repeat of the Jarrad Branthwaite transfer saga.

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United are desperate to recruit a defender this summer, with Branthwaite thought to be the club’s top target, however Everton’s asking price of more than €80 million has so far proven to be a stumbling block.

Negotiations over Branthwaite have stalled despite personal terms being agreed between the player and United last month, with Everton instantly rejecting the club’s latest bid of €50m.

And David Ornstein of The Athletic has revealed that United’s attention is now being focused on De Ligt, although the clubs have not entered negotiations yet and any pursuit of the Bayern star is thought to be independent to the deal for Branthwaite, with the offer to Everton still on the table.

However, just like the Branthwaite transfer, United are understood to be a long way away from meeting the valuation for De Ligt, with reports in Germany claiming that the club only want to pay €35m, while Bayern are seeking closer to €70m.

With United aiming to make a number of signings during the window, Sir Jim Ratcliffe and the club’s board may need to adjust their expectations if they are truly serious about revamping the squad this summer.

© IMAGO - Erik ten Hag wants to reuinte with Matthijs de Ligt at Man Utd

Ratcliffe hardball approach risks wasting time and angering rival clubs

United are still looking to sign a midfielder and a striker in addition to a centre-back, while more defenders could be targeted if the likes of Harry Maguire, Victor Lindelof or Aaron Wan-Bissaka are sold.

The Red Devils are operating under tight constraints after spending more than €400m on players in the last two years, however the club appear to be hoping teams dramatically lower their asking prices instead of pursuing more realistic options.

United’s stance has been similar in their pursuit of Dan Ashworth, with United’s offer of compensation to Newcastle far below the valuation of their sporting director, leading to Ratcliffe’s preferred target facing 18 months of gardening leave before being allowed to begin work at Old Trafford.

The arrival of Ratcliffe has made United play hardball in the market, with the club insisting they will not be held to ransom for any of their top targets – an approach which, while admirable, wears thin if time is wasted with unreasonably low bids for high-value players.

Should United truly wish to sign players such as De Ligt or Branthwaite, they will need to avoid angering rivals with lowball offers for players and will instead need to negotiate in good faith or be more realistic with their targets going forward.