In 2025, Manchester United channelled all their efforts and resources into bolstering the attack, securing the signatures of Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha and Benjamin Sesko.
This year, the focus shifted to midfield, with Andrey Santos, Youri Tielemans and Carlos Baleba all arriving at Old Trafford.
The plan for next year now appears to be a defensive overhaul.
An idea is already emerging regarding the players the Red Devils intend to pursue.
Left-backs such as Adrien Truffert, Tyrick Mitchell and Alejandro Balde have been linked, while interest has also been shown in several centre-backs.
The most intriguing of these is Jarrad Branthwaite, with United seemingly renewing their long-standing admiration for the Everton defender.
The Peoples Person recently covered a report that INEOS are exploring ways to bring the 24-year-old to Manchester either in the winter window or next summer. As part of their strategy, they are even prepared to offer a player as part of their proposal to land the centre-back two years after they tried and failed.
Fresh Complications in renewed Branthwaite pursuit
But as the Red Devils look to land their long-term defensive target, Teamtalk report that Real Madrid are also keen to finally take Branthwaite to the Bernabéu.
And while Los Blancos, like United, have renewed their interest, the report notes that “Everton, however, have little desire to part company with their star defender, who we understand they now rate in the £80m (€93m, $108m) bracket.”
Transfer worry
These two obstacles: Real Madrid’s interest and Everton’s hefty asking price, do not bode well for United’s plans.
After a summer in which INEOS showed a willingness to walk away from deals rather than overpay or pursue players who preferred other clubs, some United fans will naturally worry about the club’s chances of winning this particular race.
That said, United will still hope to win this contest. Losing Branthwaite to another club would be a significant blow, especially given how well his skillset could address the defensive shortcomings that have continued to concern those at Old Trafford.
The Peoples Person Reliability Assessment
Overall credibility: 5/10
Why?
✅ Man United’s renewed interest corroborated by different sources
✅ Real Madrid remain long-term admirers of Branthwaite
⚠️ No club to club talks
TPP view
We believe that, with the fantastic start to the season Branthwaite has had, top clubs will have taken notice. Manchester United should be ready for a fierce battle for their top defensive target.
Featured image Gareth Copley via Getty Images
