Man Utd Must Complete "Monster" £75m Signing Instead of De Ligt

Manchester United Should Prioritize Jarrad Branthwaite Over Matthijs De Ligt

Manchester United struggled last season, with inconsistent performances leaving Erik ten Hag frustrated on the sidelines. Despite these challenges, the Red Devils managed to secure a spot in the Europa League by defeating Manchester City in the FA Cup final, adding another trophy to their collection.

Man Utd's Defensive Reinforcements

With Raphael Varane leaving this summer, Manchester United urgently needs a top-class centre-back to solidify their defense. According to David Ornstein, INEOS is considering signing Matthijs De Ligt from Bayern Munich, although contact has not yet been made. While De Ligt is a viable option, prioritizing him could mean missing out on Everton's Jarrad Branthwaite.

Matthijs De Ligt's Career Overview

Matthijs De Ligt, once a standout talent at Ajax, moved to Juventus for £68m in 2019 and then to Bayern Munich for the same fee in 2022. Despite a solid start, injuries have limited his impact, with only 16 starts in the Bundesliga last season. De Ligt remains a top-tier defender, known for his defensive skills and passing abilities, ranking high in various performance metrics.

Jarrad Branthwaite: A Better Fit for Man Utd

Jarrad Branthwaite, on the other hand, offers a more promising and robust solution for Manchester United's defense. The 22-year-old England international, described as a "physical beast," had an outstanding season with Everton, forming a strong partnership with James Tarkowski. His defensive stats are impressive, with high numbers in ball recoveries, tackles, clearances, and duels won.

Financial Considerations

Manchester United's previous £35m offer for Branthwaite was rejected by Everton, who value the player at around £75m. Despite the higher price, Branthwaite's towering presence and defensive prowess make him a worthwhile investment. His performance metrics surpass De Ligt's in several key areas, making him a more suitable candidate to reinforce United's backline.

Conclusion

With Raphael Varane gone, Manchester United needs a defender like Jarrad Branthwaite to strengthen their defense and support Lisandro Martinez. His ability to dominate both aerial and ground duels, combined with his physical attributes, make him the ideal choice. It's crucial for United to abandon their pursuit of De Ligt and focus on securing Branthwaite, who could be a long-term asset for the club.