Manchester United faced a significant setback when their new £52 million signing, Leny Yoro, was ruled out for three months following an injury sustained in a pre-season match against Arsenal. This news comes at a challenging time for the club, as striker Rasmus Hojlund is also set to miss six weeks due to a hamstring issue. Yoro’s absence leaves a considerable gap in United’s defense as they prepare for the new Premier League season. The 18-year-old French defender’s injury will sideline him until the end of October, forcing him to miss nine crucial Premier League games, including high-stakes matches against Liverpool, Tottenham, and Aston Villa. Additionally, Yoro will be unavailable for the start of United’s Europa League and Carabao Cup campaigns. To address this situation, and even otherwise , United should be looking to act quickly to find a reliable central defender to bolster their squad having relied on the likes of Jonny Evans last season.
One option for Manchester United is Jarrod Branthwaite, the 21-year-old English center-back from Everton. Known for his physical presence and composure on the ball, Branthwaite has been on United’s radar for some time. His ability to read the game and make crucial interceptions makes him a promising candidate for United’s defensive line. Branthwaite’s potential was showcased during his loan spell at PSV Eindhoven, where he gained valuable experience and demonstrated his ability to perform at a high level. Bringing in Branthwaite would provide United with a young and talented defender who can adapt to Erik ten Hag’s playing style and contribute to the team’s success in both domestic and European competitions. While Everton might be reluctant to part ways with a promising player like Branthwaite, Manchester United’s financial prowess and the opportunity for the player to step up to a bigger club could make this deal a possibility.
Another potential target for Manchester United is Matthijs de Ligt from Bayern Munich. De Ligt, who has been a long-standing target for United, is known for his leadership qualities and exceptional defensive skills. The 24-year-old Dutch international has already proven himself at the highest level, having played for top clubs like Ajax and Juventus before moving to Bayern. His experience in the Champions League and international competitions would be invaluable to United’s defense. However, acquiring de Ligt would likely require a significant financial investment and negotiations with Bayern Munich. Yet, his addition to the squad could provide the stability and strength needed to navigate the challenging fixtures ahead.
