Manchester United are preparing a major defensive overhaul in the January transfer window, with Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite emerging as their top target. The Red Devils are expected to table a £60 million offer for the England international as uncertainty looms over Harry Maguire’s future and Andre Onana edges closer to a likely exit.
Man Utd Ready to Splash £60M on Branthwaite
United’s interest in Jarrad Branthwaite is intensifying, and according to journalist Mark Brus, the club is poised to submit a £60 million bid in the winter window. The Everton centre-back has long been on United’s radar and is reportedly open to joining a top Premier League side. With Harry Maguire’s role under review and defensive reinforcements needed, Branthwaite could be the next key piece in Ruben Amorim’s rebuild.
Summer Spending Spree Yet to Deliver Results
Despite a heavy summer outlay exceeding £200 million — bringing in the likes of Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo, Benjamin Sesko, Diego Leon, and goalkeeper Senne Lammens — Manchester United’s season has started on a shaky note. Amorim’s side have managed just seven points from their first five matches and remain in the bottom half of the Premier League table.
A narrow 2-1 win over Chelsea eased some pressure on the Portuguese manager, but reinforcements in January are now seen as essential to salvaging the campaign.
Maguire’s Future Still Under Discussion
While Branthwaite’s arrival could push Harry Maguire further down the pecking order, his influence at the club remains significant. Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano shared on his YouTube channel that Maguire is still respected within the club, especially for his leadership and mentorship of younger players.
“Amorim appreciates Maguire’s mentality,” Romano revealed, adding that the defender’s future remains “a point of discussion” internally.
Onana’s Time at Old Trafford Nearing Its End
Andre Onana’s brief and turbulent spell at Manchester United looks to be coming to a close. According to Romano, both the club and the Cameroonian goalkeeper view this chapter as nearly over, with Onana likely to leave by the end of the season.
United are confident in the potential of 21-year-old Senne Lammens, who joined from Club Brugge in the summer. Unless something drastic changes, Onana is expected to depart, likely via a loan move.
Carlos Baleba Still on United’s Radar
Midfield remains another area of focus for United. Brighton’s Carlos Baleba is a long-term target, and although a move this year was ruled out by the Seagulls, United continue to monitor the young midfielder closely.
Romano noted that Baleba was open to the switch and had agreed to personal terms, but Brighton refused to sell in 2025. The speculation appeared to impact his recent performances, particularly a subpar outing against Tottenham, which Brighton manager Fabian Hürzeler acknowledged.
Baleba remains highly rated by Amorim, and a renewed attempt to sign him in 2026 appears likely.
