Manchester United have reportedly pulled out of the race to sign one Everton star ahead of the summer transfer window, despite hold talks to secure his signature, according to Football Insider.
Signing a midfielder is likely to be United’s major priority when the market opens, given Casemiro has confirmed he will be departing, while Manuel Ugarte has been linked with a move away.
Qualifying for the Champions League will likely be important for them to acquire some of their targets, and they are in a strong position after a resurgence under Michael Carrick.
Last summer, United enjoyed an impressive summer window without any European football, so they could go to the next level later this year.
Related
Forget Baleba and Anderson: Man Utd Eyeing Bid to Sign ‘Superstar’, Must be No.1 Target
Man Utd are in the market for a midfielder.
Man Utd Pull Out of Race for Everton Man
Speaking on United’s reported interest in Branthwaite, former coach at Old Trafford, Mick Brown, has confirmed that the Red Devils have backed away from a move due to his injuries this season.
“I can’t see Branthwaite leaving Everton any time soon. There’s been talk about him for a long time, but I remember saying before after he picked up his first injury, he still has a lot to prove. He was building a strong reputation for himself, but he’s got to prove he can stay fit, get back to the level he was at before, and convince everybody he’s capable of going on. Particularly teams like Man United, who I’m told have backed away a bit from their interest because he’s hardly played so far this season. They’ve been watching him for a while, but they’re not going to make a move when he’s hardly played, because you don’t know how he’ll be when he’s back fit.”
Branthwaite, described as a ‘superstar’, spent the first half of the season on the treatment table, and he’s only recently returned to action with Everton.
Reports claimed that United held talks with Branthwaite’s camp earlier this year, but it appears their interest has now cooled ahead of the summer, despite him being keen on the move.
Centre-Back Might Not Be a Priority for Man Utd
Although United could still bring in a centre-back in the summer transfer window, their priority is going to be on signing a central midfielder.
With Casemiro, who has been a key cog this season for the Red Devils, leaving, United desperately need to find a starting midfielder in the summer.
If United fail to sign a centre-back, it’s far from the end of the world, as they still have plenty of options, particularly after it was confirmed that Harry Maguire has signed a new contract at Old Trafford.
It could be an exciting window for United regardless if they manage to secure Champions League qualification this season.