Real Madrid now looking to rival Man Utd in race for ‘magnificent’ signing

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Manchester United now face a battle with Real Madrid after the Spanish giants joined the race to sign Everton centre back Jarrad Branthwaite.

Ineos will be spending the next few months attempting to conduct a full-scale analysis of United – both on and off the pitch.

We can expect to see United land a new recruitment team in the coming months, no doubt preparing for a big summer transfer window.

No matter who leads United’s recruitment, we will surely see a centre back arrive at Old Trafford.

Jonny Evans will be out of contract, Harry Maguire isn’t the long-term solution and questions still surround the future of Raphael Varane.

Real Madrid join United in race for Jarrad Branthwaite

One name heavily linked with United in recent times is Jarrad Branthwaite.

The Everton centre back has been impressive this season, leading to Alan Shearer hailing him as ‘magnificent’.

The Daily Mail report that United are interested in signing Branthwaite but there is now competition from Spanish giants Real Madrid.

It’s suggested that Carlo Ancelotti would be keen on reuniting with Branthwaite having worked together at Everton.

Real want another centre back in 2024 amid injuries to Eder Militao and David Alaba and Branthwaite may appeal as a natural left-footer.

United may want to land Branthwaite but the prospect battling Real doesn’t sound too enticing – especially with that personal connection to Ancelotti potentially being a factor.

United spending big on Branthwaite seems unlikely

Branthwaite is an impressive talent, possessing outstanding size whilst offering the left-footed ability many managers seek in the modern game.

Add in that Branthwaite is only 21 and you can understand why United see enormous potential in the former Carlisle United man.

The problem is that United spent a huge fee on a left-sided centre back in 2022 by landing Lisandro Martinez.

Yes, the Argentinian is out injured right now and United could perhaps look to add another left-footer as cover and competition for Martinez.

Branthwaite would surely cost an enormous sum though, potentially too much for United to justify making a move when a right-footer to partner Martinez makes more sense.

If it came down to Branthwaite or a right-footed centre back, we think that United would focus on a right-footer like Marc Guehi, potentially leaving Real as favourites.