Manchester United are actively exploring the market to secure a new defender after Lisandro Martinez suffered a long-term injury.
The Red Devils lost Martinez until next season. This forces them to reassess their defensive options ahead of the summer transfer window.
Moreover, United invested heavily in defense last year by signing Matthijs de Ligt, Leny Yoro, and Noussair Mazraoui. However, the injury to Martinez and the looming departures of Jonny Evans and Victor Lindelof now create a significant gap in their backline. Consequently, the club must act quickly to reinforce their defense.
Furthermore, United have long eyed Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite. The English defender is rated at £70million and has drawn attention from top Premier League clubs such as Tottenham and Chelsea. Branthwaite has shown remarkable maturity for his age, and his performances have positioned him as one of the best in his role.
In addition, the Red Devils monitor other defensive prospects. For example, Bournemouth’s Dean Huijsen is on the radar of Ruben Amorim and his team after an impressive season. Similarly, West Ham United’s Jean-Clair Todibo is also attracting attention from United scouts as a potential centre-back.
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Meanwhile, outside the Premier League, Sporting’s defensive duo—Goncalo Inacio and Ousmane Diomande—have also caught United’s eye. These players present additional options as the club seeks a robust solution to its defensive challenges. Clearly, United are not limiting themselves to a single target.
Ruben Amorim has already identified his preferred defensive targets, adding further urgency to United’s pursuit. The long-term injury to Martinez, combined with potential departures, makes it evident that a new signing is critical for maintaining stability at the back.
Additionally, a recent report revealed that United offered the chance to sign a 26-year-old midfielder in a stunning swap deal. This move underscores the club’s willingness to make bold decisions to balance their squad while addressing immediate defensive needs.
However, the transfer window presents a stumbling block for United, as Everton are determined to keep Branthwaite at their club beyond this season. As a result, while the Red Devils continue to pursue multiple options, the competition from other top clubs may limit their ability to secure their first-choice target.
