Man Utd Eye £51m Star as Perfect Branthwaite Alternative! ⚽️ Manchester United fans, brace yourselves! The Red Devils are eyeing a stunning £51m star as the ideal alternative to Jarrad Branthwaite. This move is set to be a game-changer, promising to bolster United’s defense with ease. With his top-tier skills and remarkable potential, this player could seamlessly fit into the squad, making the transition smooth and effortless. Stay tuned for more updates on this exciting development!
Manchester United are actively seeking to bolster their central defense during this transfer window, but they face a significant decision regarding which players to sign.
The club has been targeting three center-backs: Matthijs de Ligt, Jarrad Branthwaite, and Leny Yoro. However, it appears likely that they will secure only one, with De Ligt being the most probable acquisition.
Everton has been firm in their stance on Branthwaite, and their recent £50 million sale of Amadou Onana has further strengthened their negotiating position. Meanwhile, Real Madrid is the frontrunner to sign Yoro.
### Shifting Focus
Manchester United is keen to acquire Leny Yoro, whom they regard as a “generational talent,” but the deal presents challenges. The situation with Branthwaite is more straightforward: United would need to meet Everton’s £70 million asking price.
This summer, United is focused on avoiding past mistakes of overpaying for players, a strategy underscored by the Branthwaite negotiations. The club needs to demonstrate the ability to pivot and find alternative options without yielding to Everton’s demands, avoiding errors like those made with the signings of Harry Maguire and Antony.
### The Case for Goncalo Inacio
While Branthwaite offers versatility in playing both central defensive positions, Manchester United is specifically looking for a left-footed center-back to complement Lisandro Martinez. Goncalo Inacio from Sporting appears to be a practical alternative.
Inacio has a release clause of £51 million, simplifying the transaction with no need for fee negotiations unless the club prefers to structure the payments differently, akin to the Joshua Zirkzee deal. At 22, Inacio is experienced, having won two titles in Portugal and made 171 appearances for Sporting.
An international player for Portugal, Inacio has received commendations from Bruno Fernandes for his progress. United’s interest in Inacio dates back to May 2022, according to Portuguese newspaper Correio da Manhã.
Fabrizio Romano mentioned on YouTube earlier this summer that Inacio remains on United’s radar. If the Branthwaite deal proves too expensive, Inacio could be a sensible and viable option.
