Will United Revive Their Interest in Jarrad Branthwaite?
After a failed attempt to sign Jarrad Branthwaite last summer, Manchester United are expected to reignite their interest in the Everton defender at the end of the season. The Red Devils previously had bids of £35 million and £45 million (excluding add-ons) turned down by the Toffees, as these offers fell significantly short of Everton’s valuation of the talented centre-back.
Following those rebuffs, United shifted focus to other targets, securing the signatures of highly-rated prospect Leny Yoro—beating competition from Real Madrid and Liverpool—and experienced Dutch defender Matthijs de Ligt to reinforce their backline. However, another centre-half could be a priority this summer, especially with both Victor Lindelof and Jonny Evans set to leave Old Trafford as free agents in June.
Adding to the defensive dilemma, United boss Ruben Amorim is dealing with the long-term absence of Lisandro Martinez, who is recovering from anterior cruciate ligament surgery and may not return until the start of the 2025/26 season. With these challenges, Branthwaite’s name is likely to re-emerge in transfer discussions, particularly as the young defender has continued to impress this season. Despite a groin injury delaying his start to the campaign, he delivered a standout performance against Liverpool, contributing to Everton’s spirited display in the final Merseyside derby at Goodison Park.
Tottenham’s Injury Woes Ahead of United Clash
After an eight-day break following their FA Cup progression, Manchester United are set to return to Premier League action against Tottenham Hotspur this Sunday. Harry Maguire’s controversial late winner in a drab FA Cup tie at Old Trafford saw the Red Devils edge into the competition’s fifth round, but now their focus shifts back to domestic league challenges. Ruben Amorim’s side will aim to secure a vital win against a struggling Spurs team, particularly after their disappointing 2-0 home loss to Crystal Palace in their previous league outing. United currently sit 13th in the table, and even a win at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium may not lift them into the top half, but every point counts in their bid to climb the standings.
Spurs manager Ange Postecoglou is grappling with an injury crisis reminiscent of United’s struggles last season. His squad has been stretched thin, leading to lacklustre performances and a dire run of just one win in eight Premier League matches. However, the Australian coach could receive a timely boost, with Guglielmo Vicario, James Maddison, and Destiny Udogie all expected to return for the 4:30 pm kick-off.
In his pre-match press conference, Postecoglou confirmed that Timo Werner and Brennan Johnson had participated in team training, though Werner remains unavailable for selection and Johnson’s involvement is uncertain. Spurs will definitely be without key defenders Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven, as well as Radu Dragisin, Dominic Solanke, Richarlison, and Wilson Odobert. The mounting absences could give United a valuable opportunity to capitalise on Spurs’ vulnerability as both sides look to turn their fortunes around in what promises to be a crucial clash.
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