Former United boss looking to frustrate Amorim in his attempts to sign perfect Martinez replacement next summer – report

Manchester United’s need for a left-footed centre-back has become even more urgent now that Lisandro Martinez is set to be sidelined for a lengthy period.

The Argentine suffered an ACL injury on his knee and is set to go under the knife and as per estimates, the World Cup winner is likely to be out of action for at least six months.

Ruben Amorim might need to prepare for the eventuality that the former Ajax star might not be fit in time for the new season and given Luke Shaw’s injury record, bringing in a natural left-sided centre-back is something the club could consider in the summer.

Jarrad Branthwaite has been a long-term target for the club with the Red Devils seeing two bids turned down by Everton last summer.

Branthwaite, an ideal replacement for Lisandro

The England international showed why he is so highly-rated during the Merseyside derby on Wednesday with David Moyes’ team grabbing an unlikely point against Liverpool.

The 20-time English league champions could pounce next summer given Martinez’s absence but Givemesport have claimed that the Toffees will do everything in their power to keep the “outstanding” 22-year-old.

INEOS prefer homegrown players with room to grow and stars who have Premier League experience and Branthwaite fits the bill perfectly.

The Englishman’s current deal ends in 2027 and multiple clubs are chasing his signature. Moyes has quite the fight on his hands to keep the talismanic defender at Everton for the long-term.

Everton want to keep him

“If experience in the Premier League becomes a priority, two names stand out – Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite and Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi.

“Both have been on the radar for some time and offer the composure and ball-playing ability that Manchester United would be looking for. Everton remain hopeful that Branthwaite will stick with them as they move into a new stadium.”

The Merseyside club’s unrealistic valuation led to the summer deal not panning out despite the defender agreeing personal terms with United.

He is valued at £70 million and given the club’s need to address the shortage of goals as well as the need to add quality to the middle of the park, it remains to be seen if INEOS can afford to win the race for his signature next summer.

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