Key United duo pushed into unfamiliar territory as ruthless Ineos decision threatens their Old Trafford futures – report

Central defence is hardly the first area Manchester United fans believe the club desperately needs to bolster.

However, a revelation by The Mirror, relayed by the Manchester Evening News, frames United’s centre-back department as one INEOS are keen to overhaul.

Defensive duo’s future up in the air

According to MEN:

“It is said that United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe will not be extending Maguire’s current deal.

“Head coach Ruben Amorim is reportedly preparing for a future without Maguire and has concerns about the long-term fitness of injury-prone defender Lisandro Martinez.”

This summer saw centre-backs Jonny Evans and Victor Lindelof depart on free transfers. Evans hung up his boots and has taken up a role at the club, while Lindelof joined Aston Villa.

Neither was replaced, but with Lisandro Martinez, Matthijs de Ligt, Noussair Mazraoui, Luke Shaw, Leny Yoro, Ayden Heaven and Tyler Fredricson in the mix, many felt United could afford to stand pat.

But with Maguire set to leave on a free next summer, “Amorim losing faith in Martinez”, and Mazraoui also proving injury-prone, United’s backline suddenly looks exposed. It is a position the club must now invest in.

Branthwaite back on the radar

While Maguire and Martinez’s futures remain uncertain, MEN report that United are planning without the duo, setting the stage for another push to sign Jarrad Branthwaite.

They write:

“This could lead to United making another move for Branthwaite – but they may face stiff competition from Liverpool, who are also very interested in the 23-year-old.”

Branthwaite was INEOS’ dream defensive signing in their first summer window (Summer 24) at the helm.

They pushed hard for his signature, but the deal never materialised, prompting them to move on and sign French defensive prodigy Leny Yoro.

Now, transfer murmurs suggest the Everton man is tempted to leave the Hill Dickinson Stadium, with both Anfield and Old Trafford calling.

But with “the signals” emerging from the Theatre of Dreams, the Reds should brace themselves for a battle if they’re to beat United to the “absolutely brilliant Branthwaite,” as Aaron Lennon once described him.

Featured image Julian Finney via Getty Images

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