Manchester United are set for a big summer on and off the pitch, with the hierarchy having to make big decisions about the direction of the football club.
Caretaker manager Michael Carrick is yet to decide on his long-term future at Old Trafford, with the board still needing to make a decision on who will take the team forward.
In terms of squad size, the midfield department will undoubtedly be the area to be strengthened the most, with additional investment in such positions desperately needed.
Brazil international Casemiro announced at the beginning of this season that he would leave the Red Devils when his current contract expires in June.
However, it is yet to be decided who the club will target in such a position, especially since there are so many players currently linked with a move to Old Trafford.
Manchester United hold meeting to sign English sensation
Elliott Anderson is just one of countless players linked with a move to United this summer, with England internationals always being linked with a move.
The Nottingham Forest star is being mooted as a top target this season, but his contract does not come cheap.
A transfer fee of £100m could be required to sign the 23-year-old during the off-season, with rivals Manchester City also firmly in the race for his signature.
But Anderson is not the only English player currently on the Red Devils’ radar, with Everton centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite also admired by the division.
According to journalist Ben Jacobs, United’s board held a meeting with the 23-year-old’s representatives in February about a potential transfer.
He also stated that the player himself remains keen to join the club, following heightened interest in his performance in a number of previous transfer windows.
No transfer fee has yet been discussed regarding a potential move this summer, but given the respective interests of both sides, a deal could still be firmly on the table.
Why Branthwaite is a better talent than Anderson
Midfielder and United transfer target Anderson has become one of the country’s biggest talents after the 2025-26 season, with the Forest star now a regular in the England squad.
The 23-year-old has also continued to improve in the Premier League, as evidenced by his incredible basic form under a variety of managers at the City Ground this season.
He has won the ball back 259 times in England’s top flight this season, which is better than the second-most of any other player in his division with 95.
Anderson’s subsequent record also exceeds that achieved by each player over the past two seasons, and even with seven games remaining this season.
There is no doubt that he would be a great addition for the Red Devils, and his £100m price tag could break the club’s long-held transfer record.
As for Branthwaite, the centre-back provides much-needed quality to the backline and could be the best long-term option at the heart of the defence.
England’s left-sided defender is arguably a rarity in the modern game, and his biggest asset in a transfer will undoubtedly be his left foot.
He has been plagued by injuries this season and has only made eight appearances so far, but his 83 appearances suggest he has a longer career in the top division.
His stats last season highlighted how well he performed in these departments, and his potential arrival would significantly strengthen the club’s options in the defensive unit.
Branthwaite made 30 appearances for the Toffees in 2024/25, scoring 9.8 defensive actions per 90 and subsequently ranking in the top 12% of players in the league.
Jarrad Branthwaite – PL statistics (2024/25) | |
|---|---|
Statistics (every 90) | tally |
games played | 30 |
goals and assists | 1 |
Pass accuracy | 83% |
dribbling success | 60% |
defensive action | 9.8 |
won a duel | 63% |
aerial won | 59% |
The tackle I made | 1.3 |
He also won 63% of his duels under coach David Moyes last season, ranking him in the top 15% of all defenders in his division.
In possession, he has also proven capable of attracting attention, completing 83% of his passes and achieving a 60% dribble success rate.
His all-round ability, both on and off the ball, will undoubtedly be a huge asset to United, especially given their struggles in this area in recent years.
Signing Anderson would significantly improve the midfield department, but given the fee being discussed, there is no denying that there may be better options available this summer.
As for Branthwaite, his early experience could be the perfect combination, with the youngster having the chance to flourish for the Red Devils and United for years to come.
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