United change transfer plans due to defender's stellar form under Amorim, Branthwaite deal doubtful - report
Manchester United have changed their transfer strategy for the summer transfer window following the revival of Harry Maguire under manager Ruben Amorim.
The England international was out-of-favour under former head coach Erik ten Hag, and there was speculation that United may not trigger an extension clause in his contract expiring this summer.
However, the scenario has completely changed under Amorim’s tutelage. Maguire’s sublime form in the middle of the back three has assured his Old Trafford stay for another 12 months.
Daily Mail claim that the decision will save plenty of funds for United. The focus is now on landing a young centre-back with potential rather than a readymade replacement like Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite.
The 22-year-old would cost £70 million in transfer fees and £160,000 in weekly wages. United are set to avoid such a huge outlay following the resurgence of Maguire in recent weeks.
INEOS trying to be clever with summer investment
INEOS spent more than £200m on new signings during the summer transfer window, but we may not see a repeat next season unless United qualify for the Champions League.
The spending could be more restricted and dependent on player sales. With this in mind, United can’t afford to make a staggering £70m outlay to bring Branthwaite from Everton.
The Red Devils already have four quality central defenders in Maguire, Matthijs de Ligt, Leny Yoro and Lisandro Martinez.
Jonny Evans and Victor Lindelof are expected to leave on free transfers. United could replace them with a young centre-back.
In our opinion, the club may not want to spend over £30m with wages not exceeding more than £100,000 per week.
In case Amorim wants a sixth central defender in the squad. He could promote Godwill Kukonki from the academy ranks.
Aside from a centre-back, United must invest in a defensive midfielder and a marquee centre-forward during the summer.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com
Article written by Sri Aswin .