Manchester United are expecting a busy summer with major changes to the first team squad on the cards at Old Trafford.

INEOS will be hoping for a successful first transfer window and are no doubt eyeing their number one targets already.

Defensive upgrades are thought to be the priority with Erik ten Hag hoping to add some extra quality to his back line which has been decimated by injuries.

United have suffered badly with the Dutchman forced to constantly chop and change and the aim will be to get a consistent partnership at the heart of defence for next season.

Nice’s Jean-Clair Todibo and Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite are high on the list of targets and it appears INEOS have decided on their preferred option.

As reported by Teamtalk, the OGC Nice centre-back is the preferred choice for United’s new owners, who feel a deal could be struck in the coming months.

Todibo could be available for around £40 million which represents a far more economical option as compared to that of Branthwaite, with Everton holding out for double that amount.

It’s also reported that other suitors for Todibo are “backing away” from the player, leaving the path clear for United to swoop.

Barcelona and Tottenham Hotspur were two of the teams registering interest in the centre-half but with both now turning their attentions elsewhere, United are in a “very strong position” to secure his signature.

The 24-year-old has enjoyed a fine run of form in Ligue 1 in the last few seasons, emerging as one of the most sought after defenders in Europe.

Todibo has been almost ever-present for Nice this season and that kind of consistency has been badly lacking at United throughout the campaign.

Ten Hag will be hoping Lisandro Martinez will be free from injury next season with Todibo expected to be the long term partner of the Argentine.

United will be hoping for a much smoother ride in the summer now that INEOS are on board with the club’s disastrous transfer windows over the last decade leaving the club languishing behind in the Premier League.

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INEOS are currently plotting how to maximise the advantages of owning both Manchester United and Nice in preparation for the summer window.

The Red Devils have already been linked to a few players from the Ligue 1 side over the past few months.

The clearest example of that is centre back, Jean-Clair Todibo who has been seen as a target for United since last summer. Khephren Thuram has also been touted as a player the club could bring in to bolster the midfield, while just this week the Old Trafford side were said to have opened talks for left back, Melvin Bard.

The idea that the two clubs could work together has been suggested by different sources but HITC have confirmed that they are certain this is the case.

“Now sources have confirmed to HITC that conversations have taken place at the highest levels within INEOS about the prospects of players moving to England”.

Erik ten Hag’s side do want to bring in a midfielder this summer but the recruitment of one is more connected to sales than other positions due to the bloated nature of excess players in this area of the squad.

HTIC interestingly state, “whilst INEOS have discussed who could arrive from France, they have also looked at the possibility of players moving the other way and indeed both Christian Eriksen and Donny van de Beek have been mentioned in conversations”.

Both players have been linked away from Old Trafford as Van de Beek’s loan move to Eintracht Frankfurt has been a disaster and Eriksen has barely featured in 2024 and is naturally unhappy with his lack of playing time.

It is also touted that “one deal Nice are looking at is the possibility of bringing Anthony Martial back to France. They are considering offering him the chance of a move back to Ligue 1 – but 28-year-old does have a host of options emerging”.

Another intriguing dynamic of a potential partnership between the two sides could be a trusted loan partner as the Red Devils have struggled massively over the years to find appropriate homes for their loanees with the successes of Amad Diallo at Sunderland and Will Fish at Hibernian being the exceptions to the rule.

“It is believed that United do see Nice as a possibility to hone some of their top emerging talent – but INEOS do insist that no deals would be forced on either club as their own independence is important despite being under the same ownership umbrella, and that is important given that could be expanded in the coming years”.

It will certainly be an interesting topic for United fans to follow as the summer window approaches. Much has been made of the potential negativity of INEOS’ ownership of both clubs such as the potential ineligibility of one of the teams to play in Europe due to their respective league positions. However, the concept of a transfer partnership is certainly an aspect that could be very fruitful for both sides.

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Manchester United in 2024 have holes all over the pitch and this was brutally shown in yesterday’s insipid draw against Brentford.

One area that is in desperate need of some attention from new owners INEOS is that of the centre back position.

There are numerous defenders at the club who have an incredibly foggy future such as Harry Maguire, Raphael Varane and Victor Lindelof.

Not only that but no team in 2024 has conceded more shots on goal in the Premier League than Erik ten Hag’s side.

Naturally the Mancunian club have been linked to a plethora of defensive reinforcements and four of the most commonly rumoured centre back targets will be assessed here. The potential candidates to partner Lisandro Martinez in August are Jarrad Branthwaite, Gleison Bremer, Jean-Clair Todibo and Antonio Silva.

Playing Style

One thing that INEOS have been keen to stress is that gone are the days where the manager has total control over playing style.

Therefore, until a sporting director and the recruitment team is finalised, it is impossible to say what exactly that style will be. However, it is logical to assume that it will be a modern ball-playing style that the best sides in the Premier League implement.

Moreover, having Andre Onana between the sticks and Lisandro Martinez as the main centre back, ball playing proficiency should be a top priority for the defensive target.

Ruud van Nistelrooy, who was Branthwaite’s coach last year when he was at PSV Eindhoven described the 21 year old as “good on the ball, can play on the left or the right of centre-back because he is two-footed. He has height and speed, so he is very complete”.

However, nobody would sensibly suggest that the Carlisle man is as good on the ball as Martinez is. In addition as a left-footed centre back, it could be problematic to play him alongside United’s Argentine butcher.

Another candidate is that of Bremer, who like Branthwaite, his physical attributes stand out. The Brazilian is certainly good on the ball but it is his “defensive awareness and traits, such as tackling, interceptions, blocks, applying pressure and clearances” that make the 27 year old so sought after. He is also a right footer which would allow him to slot in next to Martinez.

Another potential defensive solution is Jean-Clair Todibo who has been described as ” balanced as any centre back is allowed to be, a key figure in build-up and in snuffing out threats”.

“In possession, he is as comfortable as any defender in the world, standing out with his ability to ball-carry and pass, to beat the press innovatively, to be the backbone of a possession-heavy side”.

What’s more his right footedness would allow him to play the right centre back role with comfort.

The final candidate is that of Antonio Silva from Benfica. The 20 year old has been a revelation for the Portuguese giants and has shown this season why he is one of the most talented young prospects in world football.

“Silva is a ball-playing defender. He likes to pass the ball from the back. The defender completes 8.23 long passes per 90, putting him in the 94 percentile” in the Portuguese league. However, he has more to his game than this. He is described as a “no nonsense defender” who loves a tackle and at 1.87 m has the physical prowess to deal with the Premier League. The Portuguese certainly seems alongside, Todibo, to be the most balanced of the four, as well as being most comfortable on his right foot.

Verdict: Silva and Todibo

Price

The Red Devils, like all of English football teams nowadays live in a world of financial constraint due to Profit and Sustainability rules.

As mentioned earlier, United also have a multitude of issues to try and solve in this summer’s transfer window, so not all the budget can go on a centre back and this is where it gets complicated.

Silva looks a great potential buy but it will be incredibly expensive. Benfica sell but they sell at their price and with a contract until 2027, they have no pressure to release their prized asset. It has been relayed that United are “best prepared” to sign the Portugal international but with a release clause of €100m it could be incredibly expensive to prise the starlet away from Lisbon.

Branthwaite will also cost a pretty penny. It has been reported that any team wanting to steal away the England defender may need to be pay an astronomical £80 million.

Bremer will be cheaper, as he reportedly has a pact that he can leave for €60-70m this summer but it is still quite an outlay.

Todibo on the other hand seems to have a much more reasonable fee. Fabrizio Romano has recently revealed that that Nice will let the player leave for around £40m and with his parent club also being owned by INEOS, this would surely grease the wheels of any deal.

Verdict: Todibo

Age and Experience

Bremer is the clear winner in terms of experience at being 27 years old, however, also goes against INEOS’ reported new ethos of buying players before they become established experienced ones.

Branthwaite and Silva certainly fit this model much better but at 21 and 20 respectively, but they are both incredibly inexperienced and there is still a big question mark in regard to their future trajectory as players.

At 24 years old, Todibo once again, seems the most balanced option. He is young enough to keep progressing and be hungry enough to step up from Nice to United but has also had more than a couple of seasons of topflight football.

One charge against the Frenchman could be that he has only played in Ligue 1 but there is a strong history of French-based players adapting to the Premier League effectively.

Verdict: Todibo

All in all, Nice’s French centre back seems the most sensible deal for INEOS to pursue. They know the player well and he is a balanced, ball playing, modern centre back. At 24 years old and a likely price tag of £40m, he is of the right age and certainly has an attractive price tag for a club looking to fix numerous positions under PSR restrictions.

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Raphael Varane’s current deal ends in 2024 and not 2025 as does Jonny Evans’ contract. Both Victor Lindelof and Harry Maguire have been linked with summer exits.

It is clear that new co-owners INEOS need to find a long-term partner for Lisandro Martinez, someone who is young while simultaneously being strong and fast, so as to adjust easily to the demands of the Premier League.

Links have emerged with the likes of Jarrad Brathwaite, Antonio Silva and Robin Le Normand but one player whose name has prominently featured in the gossip column since last summer is Jean-Clair Todibo.

Todibo’s price revealed

Currently playing for OGC Nice, another club owned by Sir Jim Ratcliffe, and this could hand the Red Devils the advantage they need to win the race.

The 24-year-old’s impressive performances in the last two years have alerted a lot of English clubs to his availability with recent reports suggesting the French club would not be offering a discount to United despite same ownership.

As per transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, the Ligue 1 outfit have slapped a £40 million price tag on the Frenchman ahead of what is expected to be a major transfer tussle.

Understand Jean-Clair Todibo will be valued by OGC Nice around £40m for the summer transfer window.

He was already on Man United list since last summer but more clubs in PL and not only keep monitoring him.

French international and Nice vice captain could be on the move. pic.twitter.com/xxXz7dKgVg

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) March 28, 2024

“Understand Jean-Clair Todibo will be valued by OGC Nice around £40m for the summer transfer window. He was already on Man United list since last summer but more clubs in PL and not only keep monitoring him.

“French international and Nice vice captain could be on the move,” the Italian wrote on X (formerly Twitter).

The team from Allianz Riviera are currently fifth, firmly in with a chance of European qualification for next season, having conceded the lowest amount of goals among all 18 teams.

The France international has played 25 teams across all competitions, registering two assists while keeping 12 clean sheets.

Race is on

The former Barcelona star was called “the best centre-back” by Bundesliga great Lothar Matthaus and he seems to be ready for a bigger challenge in the upcoming season.

Todibo was close to a move to Old Trafford last summer only to see his move fail due to United’s inability to sell Harry Maguiure to West Ham.

Nice fans will not be too happy to lose their talisman, especially if the team does qualify for Europe. But Ratcliffe must work his magic to ensure Todibo lands up in Manchester instead of somewhere else.

His price tag is a lot more manageable as compared to Branthwaite and his pace and strength are ideally suited for Erik ten Hag’s high-transition style.

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An article a day until any worries about the United squad drift away.

With the upcoming transfer window constituting the first major test of the INEOS revolution at Old Trafford, it is imperative the club’s new leadership structure hit the mark this summer with new signings. And with uncertainty over the long-term future of Erik ten Hag likely to continue until the end of the season, any players INEOS identify will have to possess quality and tactical flexibility in equal measure, to account for a potential managerial change.

So too will budgetary restraints be a factor.

As explained in greater detail here, INEOS are expected to be armed with a considerable war-chest for their first transfer window, but five different areas needing five different solutions means the club will need to be mindful with their money. The Peoples Person anticipate a budget in the region of £250 million, helped by sales and expensive contracts coming to an end.

With these stipulations in mind, the first position Old Trafford officials must target this summer is a new centre-back.

Injury Crisis in Central Defence

Owing to an almost unprecedent injury crisis, Ten Hag has been forced to field eleven different centre-back combinations this season.

By comparison, Mikel Arteta has chosen the same defensive pairing of William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes in Arsenal’s last twenty-four games, only breaking this partnership in the Carabao Cup to rest Saliba. As a result of this consistent stability, Arsenal have far and away the best defence in England this year; a view further strengthened by the fact they fell to a 3-1 defeat to West Ham in this Carabao Cup match without their usual centre-back duo.

In September, Lisandro Martinez – United’s undisputed first-choice centre-back – suffered a relapse to the metatarsal injury which ruled him out of the run-in last season, side-lining him for nearly four months. He returned in January, helping United to win three out of three games he started, before sustaining an MCL injury against West Ham. The Argentine is likely to return from this issue at the end of the month.

United have struggled enormously in Martinez’s absence, missing his defensive solidity, but also his ability to play forward from deep.

Furthermore, at various different points this season, the 25-year-old has been joined on the treatment table by Raphael Varane, Harry Maguire, and Victor Lindelof – the club’s three other senior centre-backs.

For their own trip to London to play West Ham before Christmas, United lined up with a partnership of Jonny Evans and Willy Kambwala at the heart of his defence, as all four first-choice defenders were unavailable. Evans, 36, was only signed in the summer as a last-ditch insurance policy having been let go by relegated Leicester, while Kambwala was a 19-year-old academy graduate making his senior debut.

Predictably, United fell to a 2-0 defeat.

Uncertain Futures

Beyond this issue of injury, the future of many of United’s central defenders is doubtful.

While Martinez will play a key role for the club next season, and Kambwala will continue his development as a highly-regarded youngster, none of the other centre-backs in Ten Hag’s squad are assured to remain at Old Trafford this summer.

Despite a resurgence in form, Maguire continues to be linked with a move away from United, after having come very close to joining West Ham last year. David Moyes is believed to be keen for his club to revisit a move for the England international at the end of the season. Maguire has a year remaining on his deal, though the club reserves the right to extend his contract by twelve months, and will turn 32 next season.

Varane’s contract expires this summer after Old Trafford officials chose not to activate the one-year extension clause in his deal. Discussions over a new deal, on reduced wages or with appearance clauses, are believed to have been initiated but Fabrizio Romano reveals there is no confirmation of this.

No confirmation on reports about new contract proposal from Man United to Rapha Varane based on appearances.

Understand Man Utd have currently not sent any new deal proposal to Varane, no negotiations taking place yet.

Current deal expires in three months. pic.twitter.com/pODUb0XnC8

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) March 19, 2024

The Frenchman will also turn 32 next season, and has constantly struggled with injury since swapping Madrid for Manchester in 2021.

Furthermore, neither Varane nor Maguire fit the profile of centre-back Ten Hag requires for his system. In fact, both players are poor fits in the majority of modern, proactive philosophies which seek to dominate through pressing and possession.

And while Lindelof is rated by the United coaching staff, he is not seen as anything more than a squad option at present. The Swede’s contract was extended by a year in December, as it had been set to expire this summer, but this is not a reflection of any long-term security at Old Trafford.

Similarly, Evans, though impressive in his return to the club, will only function as an experienced depth option should his contract be renewed at the end of the season.

This selection of doubts ensure whomever is at the helm at United next season will want a new centre-back to partner Martinez. As such, the club have correctly identified a younger, more athletic central defender as a pressing priority.

The Number One Target

Out of the five positions United will need to find upgrades in this summer, central defence will perhaps be the easiest, given the plethora of talented centre-backs likely to be available to sign, domestically and continentally.

A report relayed by The Peoples Person reveals INEOS’ first-choice target is Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite; with good reason, beyond simply his homegrown status.

The 21-year-old Cumbrian has firmly established himself at the heart of Sean Dyche’s defence this season after impressing for PSV Eindhoven on loan last year. He’s made 25 appearances in the Premier League, delivering a number of impressive performances alongside James Tarkowski. These have been recognised by Gareth Southgate, who gave the centre-back his first England call-up this week.

One of the key skills United’s new centre-back must have is aerial and physical dominance.

While Martinez has been excellent since joining from Ajax, his diminutive stature will always remain something of a hindrance in English football. And while Diogo Dalot and Luke Shaw are both well-sized for fullbacks, United have benefitted greatly from the domineering presence of Maguire or Varane at the heart of its defence, despite their shortcomings elsewhere.

Branthwaite stands an imposing 6’5, meaning he would become the tallest player in the Old Trafford dressing room should he sign. He has won the seventh most headers in the league this season, winning 72% of his aerial battles. More impressively, Branthwaite possesses the most successful defensive duel rate out of all centre-backs under the age of 23 in Europe’s top five leagues.

Furthermore, in 2020, Dominic Calvert-Lewin – Branthwaite’s teammate at Goodison Park – was asked which Everton player would win in a 100m dash. The striker replied himself, with the then 18-year-old Branthwaite his closest competitor. While Maguire is strong when the ball is launched at him in the air, he resembles a combine harvester when it’s played in behind him, owing to a debilitating lack of speed. Branthwaite is a rare combination of tall but fleet-footed.

Other defenders United have been linked to, such as Jean-Clair Todibo (OGC Nice) and Goncalo Inacio (Sporting CP), are excellent in possession, but not as strong out-of-possession as Branthwaite, making them ill-suited to being Martinez’s partner.

Quite simply, the Everton defender is a dominant defensive force. Yet his talents do not stop there.

Branthwaite is also a technically gifted footballer, having played as a midfielder at youth level. He fits the requirements on the ball defenders must possess in the modern game, able to play out from the back when pressed, or pass through the lines of an opposition’s deep block.

Statistically, he does not stand out in terms of possession metrics, but this is largely due to the system Dyche employs at Goodison Park; a simple eye-test reveals the reality of Branthwaite’s skill on the ball.

However, there are potentially two stumbling blocks should United, as expected, pursue the 21-year-old this summer.

Firstly, he operates on the left-hand side of defence – the same side as Martinez.

A right-footed centre-back would be the overwhelming preference this summer, particularly given Luke Shaw’s excellent ability to fill in for Martinez should the Argentine be injured again. Ten Hag has previously spoken of his preference for his centre-backs’ stronger foot to match the side they play on; and this is not a managerial preference exclusive to the Dutchman.

Nonetheless, Branthwaite is strong with his weaker foot. He clocks in as one of the most ambipedal (two-footed) players in the Premier League this season, with Varane ranking first for this attribute. One of Branthwaite’s former coaches claims he is actually right-footed such is his proficiency with his weaker foot, while the 21-year-old reveals, “If I’m hitting a long pass, I’ll go with my left; short passes with my right.”

This left-footedness does not, therefore, appear an issue. But the potential price Everton will demand for his services absolutely will be.

The Merseyside club are reported to have set an £80 million price-tag for their defender, citing Wesley Fofana’s £75 million move from Leicester to Chelsea as a barometer. Sources at Old Trafford reveal they are hopeful of striking a lower price for their number one target, with Everton’s precarious financial situation likely driving this optimism.

But it would require a drastic drop in value for this to become a financially viable move for United, given the four other areas the club must upgrade this summer.

The Alternative 

If United cannot strike a deal with Everton for Branthwaite, at around the £60 million range, they must consider an alternative target, more in line with a realistic budget.

The club have previously been linked with Antonio Silva – the Benfica starlet who has impressed for his club and the Portuguese national side. He is an excellent defender, combining a strong physical skillset with good technical abilities, much in line with Branthwaite. He is also a right-footed right-sided centre-back. However,

Silva has an £87 million release clause in his contract, and Benfica are not a club who yield an inch in transfer negotiations. He is also 6’1, ranking in just the 30th percentile for successful aerial duels.

As such, United may have to look outside of Europe’s best young talents in defence for the ideal compliment to Martinez, finding a cheaper, but suitable, compromise.

Gleison Bremer has emerged as one of the best centre-backs in Serie A since joining Juventus from Torino in 2022. The Brazilian is a dominant force physically, as fast as he is strong, and excellent in the air. He is adept on the ball, though it is not his best attribute; rather, he is a throwback defender – the type who strikers fear the night before they have to face off against him.

Despite signing a new long-term deal with the Old Lady in December, Bremer’s contract includes a £43 million release clause. He is also reported to harbour ambitions of playing in the Premier League and would be open to a switch to England, having already been linked with a move to United. 

As such, where a move for Branthwaite will be exorbitant and protracted, a deal for Bremer could be concluded with relative ease.

The Conclusion

Branthwaite is an excellent option.

He combines youth with Premier League experience; a physical monster, as fast as he is strong in the air, and capable of playing out from the back; and he is two-footed enough to comfortably play on either side of central defence.

If United can leverage Everton’s financial hardship to strike a cheaper deal than £80 million, perhaps using Hannibal Mejbri as a makeweight, given Sean Dyche’s interest in the Tunisian in January, Branthwaite should be the club’s centre-back signing this summer.

However, if Old Trafford officials meet resistance from their Goodison Park counterparts, Bremer is an experienced alternative, perfectly suited to the rigours of English football, who will enable greater funds to be spent elsewhere on the pitch.

We return tomorrow to find out which defensive starlet is United’s next must-buy this summer as the Peoples Person overhaul continues at full throttle.

The post The five areas Manchester United must address this summer – Centre-Back appeared first on Man United News And Transfer News | The Peoples Person.