Manchester United have a need to strengthen at centre-back this summer amid an ageing and injury-prone backline.
Finding the right defenders to come in is a matter Ineos are working on right now, and will be a real test of their recruitment skills.
One name who has been prominently linked is Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite, who is a highly rated defender who Manchester United have been tracking for years.
Branthwaite was recently called up into the England squad – but last night he had a horrific night as his Everton side were ripped apart 6-0 at Chelsea.
Jarrad Branthwaite v Chelsea
Jarrad Branthwaite was embarrassed against Chelsea as Cole Palmer tore Everton apart, humiliating the centre-back in the process.
Palmer nutmegged Branthwaite and left him in a heap on the floor before curling a shot into the bottom corner. It was the type of moment which would become a meme andgo viral for all the wrong reasons, if he was at Manchester United. Just ask Harry Maguire.
These incident can happen to the best of players, but it was a stark reminder that Branthwaite is only 22, and is far from the finished product.
He was substituted with a knock in the 57th minute with Chelsea already 4-0 up. He was probably relieved to come off.
Just over the weekendThe Sun had claimed Everton would demand a staggering £80 million for the defender.
One bad game doesn’t make him a bad player, but perhaps this might start a discussion around a more sensible price point.
And if it doesn’t, we would hope Ineos are wise enough to turn attention to more aptly priced alternatives.
Manchester United fans on Branthwaite
Manchester United supporters had a lot of praise for Jarrad Branthwaite after his performance at Old Trafford in the Red Devils’ 2-0 win earlier this year.
But after his display in the 6-0 loss to Chelsea, there is a lot of nervousness about United blowing a huge fee on a player who may not be ready for a stage like Manchester United.
One fan wrote: “I don’t get the hype with Branthwaite, the guy’s just mediocre. Couple of weeks back Isak sat him down and today Cole Palmer.”
Another commented: “No doubt Branthwaite is a very good potential talent. No chance in hell we should be paying ANYWHERE near 80M for him. Has a potential Maguire situation written all over it for me. Scout better & find the hidden gems.”
Another concerned fan wrote: “Branthwaite might not be it. He’s got torn apart tonight.”
A fourth fan warned: “Man this Branthwaite guy is the LAST LAST LAST thing we need.”
Another comment read: “Not saying he wouldn’t be good enough but fail to see this Branthwaite hype up to now. Seen him a few times this season and he seems so flat footed or gets caught out far too easily.”
“Watching back the highlights, I really like Branthwaite but my god does he slide in a hell of a lot,” wrote another.
There are many ways Manchester United could opt to spend £80 million, and it’s unlikely the Red Devils would go that high despite past history.
The Mirror reported United do not want to go over £50 million for Branthwaite, and that was before last night. Everton’s negotiating hand may be even weaker this morning.