Manchester United succumbed to their 14th Premier League defeat of the season on Sunday, this time to Arsenal with the club languishing in eighth place and in danger of missing out on qualification for Europe altogether.
Despite a 0-4 thrashing at the hands of Crystal Palace, Erik ten Hag was forced to start Casemiro and Jonny Evans at the heart of the defence again at Old Trafford.
The Brazilian was at fault yet again as he failed to step up quickly which allowed the Gunners to score the game’s only goal through Leandro Trossard.
The former Real Madrid superstar is not a natural centre-back and is having to play there due to the injuries suffered by the remaining defenders.
Defensive reinforcement required
The club has already announced that Raphael Varane is set to leave at the end of the season while Evans’ deal is also coming to an end in June.
Add to this the fact that both Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof have been linked with exits and it is clear to see that an elite central defender is required to bolster the ranks.
The club’s prime defensive target is Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite due to his age and his Premier League experience, traits which are highly-valued by new co-owners INEOS.
Due to rising PSR concerns, the Toffees need to conduct sales before June ends and there were reports stating that the England international might be moved on with United eyeing a cut-price deal for the 21-year-old.
However, the team from Merseyside are desperate to try and hold on to their most-prized asset with The Peoples Person recently relaying that the club will try and convince the defender to stay for one more season.
And as for balancing the books, Football Insider have now claimed Sean Dyche’s men will sanction the sale of midfielder Amadou Onana, coincidentally another United target, instead of Branthwaite.
Onana out, Branthwaite to stay
“Everton are planning to “sacrifice” Amadou Onana this summer in a bid to keep Jarrad Branthwaite at the club, sources have told Football Insider.
Everton are aware they will need to sell players this summer in a bid to avoid breaching Premier League financial rules again. Sources told Football Insider earlier this month that Everton are trying to persuade Branthwaite to stay for one more season.
“It is believed crunch talks will be held between the player’s camp and the Merseysiders at the end of the 2023-24 campaign.”
The 20-time English league champions have the chance to go after both but the club will first need to sell players in order to fund their recruitment spree. And both Onana and Branthwaite will likely be sold for a huge profit.
Whether one sale is enough for Everton remains to be seen. As for United, hopefully, INEOS can convince the Sean Dyche’s team to sell the Englishman if indeed he is their top defensive target.
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