Manchester United will be keen to get off to a quick start this summer, now it’s been reported which two the club are confident about.
This summer sees the Ineos era kickstarted at Manchester United and there is heaps of optimism around the club right now, especially after the FA Cup final win last weekend.
Erik ten Hag‘s squad suffered an unbelievable amount of injuries this past season. Alongside this, the squad will have multiple players leaving and two are already confirmed with Anthony Martial and Raphael Varane leaving for free.
The shortlist of players that United want this summer is ever-expanding and there are a lot of players being linked in each position.
That being said, now it’s being reported that there are two names which are more likely than any others.
Manchester United confident of completing deals for Jarrad Branthwaite and Michael Olise
As we approach the start of the transfer window, United will no doubt be working hard behind the scenes to get recruitment off to an excellent start.
Now, it’s been reported by talkSPORT that there are two deals which United are confident they can sign this summer.
These names are Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite and Crystal Palace’s Michael Olise, as the club plot who will be the first arrivals of Sir Jim Ratcliffe‘s time as owner.
Palace are said to be demanding a minimum of £60m for Olise, while Branthwaite could end up being a bargain, priced at as little as £40m.
Everton’s reduced asked price for Branthwaite comes due to their ongoing financial problems, while a centre-back is of the utmost importance for United after the struggles of the past season.
Where would these two fit in for Erik ten Hag?
The two names mentioned are exciting targets and both Premier League proven, however, do they actually solve problems for United?
Branthwaite is one of the country’s most exciting centre-backs, however, he’s more accustomed to the left side where United have Lisandro Martinez. The Argentine is a world-class player when fit which potentially makes Branthwaite a £40m second choice player.
The right side is where United need a centre-back so unless Branthwaite is one of two being signed this summer, it’s a worrying player to prioritise.
Similarly, Olise while a special player isn’t at all what United need as a priority this summer given Amad Diallo‘s emergence along with Alejandro Garnacho being capable on the right wing too.
Olise’s arrival would suggest a permanent exit for Jadon Sancho and potentially even Antony, as then there would be space in the squad and the finances to bring him in.