INEOS makes £70m ‘monster’ top Manchester target

It wouldn’t be unfair to argue that Manchester United are in the mix in the Premier League this season.

But while Ruben Amorim has made progress and his players have lost just two of their last 11 games in the top flight, many performances left something to be desired.

But United are fighting to regain their place in European competition next season and, despite the immediate absence of midfielders Bruno Fernandes and Koby Mainu, the systems are slowly coming together.

Amorim will have to show some adaptability, which, to be fair, he has shown a little of recently. But support from afar will no doubt be needed, and INEOS is already planning one or two major relocations in 2026.

Where Manchester United plans to strengthen in 2026

There is still room for improvement in Amorim’s controversial system, and the absence of Maynou and Fernandes will only exacerbate the dire need for a solid, all-action midfielder.

However, United’s recent interest in Bournemouth forward Antoine Semenyo underlines their desire to strengthen across the board, with recent news suggesting technical director Jason Wilcox is also eyeing the other side of Old Trafford.

In fact, according to Caught Offside, Manchester United have drawn up a target list of centre-backs to sign at the end of the season, with Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite at the top of the list.

United pushed to sign the England international in 2024 but were turned down after learning of the Toffees’ £80m price tag. The Red Devils will be hoping they can cut that down as Branthwaite has been sidelined all season with injury. If reports are to be believed, £70m appears to be the latest asking price.

Comparison of Jarrad Branthwaite and Lenny Yolo

Man United haven’t been the safest defensively this season. In part, injuries have forced younger members to take on more important roles, which has hindered someone like Lenny Yolo.

The 20-year-old is an elite talent but has been in poor form and error-prone this season, with content creator Adam Joseph admitting he is “going through a tough period in his development”.

Everton’s Branthwaite could be the perfect replacement. He has survived the storm of the Premier League and has been coveted by top teams for some time.

Branthwaite, 23, who joined the Merseysiders from Carlisle United in 2020 for just £1 million, is 6ft 6in tall and has plenty of strength. He is a strict defender and his simple passing game could be exactly what is needed to feed the midfielder in front of him.

Looking at the current campaign, it’s clear he’s an upgrade over Yoro.

In the air, the French prospect is already sturdy and reliable, but he has only won half of his ground battles in the Premier League this season, a flaw that is negatively impacting Amorim’s tactical set-up.

Once declared an “absolute monster” at centre-half by talent scout Jacek Kulig, Branthwaite has the necessary qualities not only to replace Yoro in Man United’s starting XI, but also to become Amorim’s most important defensive cog, perhaps ahead of the likes of Lisandro Martinez and Matthijs de Ligt.

Branthwaite, as composed and powerful as anyone in England’s top flight, would be a blockbuster signing for a team aiming to return to the top flight.

Man United have made visible progress in recent months, but there is little to suggest they don’t need outside help.

With Harry Maguire and De Ligt sidelined through injury at the moment, the flaws in Yoroi are exposed, but Branthwaite’s power and resilience, developed at the start of his career at Everton, suggest he could be the perfect upgrade.