manchesterworld.uk

Man Utd transfer move for £47m star is obvious after rivals agree £100-per-week deal with…

Ruben Amorim is about to overhaul his attack in the summer transfer windowplaceholder image

Ruben Amorim is about to overhaul his attack in the summer transfer window | Getty Images

Man Utd have more than a few issues to solve in their squad but does missing out on one defensive target make their search easier?

Manchester United's recruitment has been focused primarily on the forward line so far this summer both in terms of action and speculation despite work being needed throughout the team.

Goals win games, but a solid defence can win a league title, and there is a reason why United have been so far off the pace in recent years. Ruben Amorim could sell Andre Onana with Saudi Arabia his most likely destination, and a more settled back three is also a must.

Last season saw several combinations tried with Leny Yoro expected to raise his game this season following a period of settling in during the last campaign. The Red Devil's boss also tried, and failed, on more than one occasion to land one of the Premier League's most promising defenders with failed bids for Jarrad Branthwaite now looking like a case of what might have been.

Have Man Utd missed the boat to sign Jarrad Branthwaite?

Had United gone just a little bit higher, they might have been able to persuade Everton to part with their brightest star, however, new owners, the return of David Moyes, a new stadium and a new direction has seen Branthwaite sign a new contract with the Toffees.

According to The Athletic, Branthwaite didn't take much persuading: “The pitch to Branthwaite was straightforward. At 23, he still has his best years ahead of him and room to develop. Moyes’ track record with former Everton defenders like Phil Jagielka and Joleon Lescott — who both became England players during their spells on Merseyside — was cited, with Branthwaite told just how highly the Scot rated him.

“Everton pointed to their new Hill Dickinson Stadium as a sign of their ambition and direction of travel, while investment in the playing squad was promised.

“Branthwaite signed his new five-year deal on Tuesday evening, with paperwork processed before Wednesday morning’s official confirmation. He becomes one of the club’s highest earners, his old salary of around £50,000 a week said to have more than doubled. Crucially, Everton were able to match what was on the table from elsewhere. “

Where should Utd turn to sign a centre-half?

What this means is that United will now have to look elsewhere for defensive reinforcements and for a player who Amorim knows could adapt to his style of play and formation.

Being able to defend is an obvious prerequisite but so to is being able to look after the ball which makes his former Sporting Lisbon rock Ousmane Diomande the player who should be targeted.

United will need to move quickly though because Crystal Palace want Diomande and are said to have agreed terms on a £47m move for the 21-year old Ivory Coast international. Nothing has been signed or sealed as yet and it wouldn't be the first time that clubs have come to an agreement only for the player to decide he wants to move elsewhere.

All it would take is a phone call from Amorim and a plea for patience as he looks to get his house in order one brick at a time. If the Portuguese boss is going to rebuild United, there is no point scoring more goals when the defence continues to leak even more at the other end and Diomande would be a sizeable plug for the multiple porous gaps.

Continue Reading

Read full news in source page