Ruben Amorim Ange Postecoglou
Image Credits: GETTY IMAGES
Manchester United’s season came to a crushing end with a 1-0 defeat to Tottenham in the Europa League final in Bilbao.
The result confirmed the Red Devils would miss out on Champions League football and, worse still, on over £100 million in potential revenue.
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With no European football at all next season, United’s summer plans have taken a massive hit.
INEOS had hoped to continue rebuilding with strategic signings, but the situation has become even more delicate following the loss in Spain.
To make matters worse, one of INEOS’ top centre-back targets is now being pursued by Tottenham, according to The Times.
Tottenham Hotspur leading race to sign Jarrad Branthwaite
Jarrad Branthwaite, who has been United’s first-choice defensive target previously, is on Spurs’ radar this time around as they look to reinforce their back line.
United had agreed personal terms with Branthwaite in 2024 according to the Times, but refused to match Everton’s £70 million asking price.
That stance led INEOS to instead secure a bargain £38 million deal for Matthijs de Ligt, who impressed in his debut season at Old Trafford.
Branthwaite, still valued at £70 million, remains a highly rated talent.
Now, United risk missing out on him altogether to a direct domestic rival.
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The blow is softened somewhat by United’s depth at centre-back.
Leny Yoro enjoyed a stellar campaign, and Lisandro Martinez is expected to return from injury in 2026.
Add to that the promising development of academy talents like Ayden Heaven, Tyler Fredricson, and Godwill Kukonki, and United’s defence looks promising heading into next season.
With a restricted summer budget and bigger gaps to fill in attack, United may now be forced to turn their focus away from Branthwaite and towards reinforcing their frontline for Ruben Amorim’s first full campaign in charge.
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