Manchester United are targeting Everton centre-back

Defence has remained a weakness for Manchester United for a long time now. When the club signed Raphael Varane from Real Madrid in the summer, there were hopes that he would transform their backline. But that has not turned out to be the case. The Frenchman has struggled to match expectations while those around him have not been great either.

Thus, it would not be a surprise to see Manchester United try to soar up their defensive options in the upcoming summer transfer window and it looks like they have an Everton youngster in their sights.

As reported by the Daily Mail, Manchester United are monitoring Everton’s 19-year-old centre-back, Jarrad Branthwaite.

Branthwaite joined Everton back in 2020 and till now, he has not played a lot of football for the Merseyside club. That should not be a massive surprise though since he is still just a teenager. But it looks like Manchester United have been impressed with what they have seen till now.

Manchester United linked with move for Everton centre-back, Branthwaite

This is certainly a rumour that not many would have seen coming. Now, it is safe to say that Manchester United signing highly-rated youngsters from around the Premier League is a great thing and sets them up well for what is to come in the future.

But, at the same time, you have to feel that this side needs players who are ready to come in and make a mark immediately in the starting XI.

It is not hard to see why the club might be interested in Branthwaite. He is very impressive technically when you consider his size and he has huge potential for the future.

But it would be unfair to expect someone like him to come in and make an impact at Manchester United, especially when the next manager will be under tremendous pressure to deliver and opportunities for youngsters might be harder to come by.

It remains to be seen if Manchester United are able to sign the Everton centre-back though. The Merseyside club are expected to be reluctant to let him go but at the same time, they will know the need for rebuilding next summer after what has been a terrible campaign for them till now.