Harry Maguire’s improved form and new deal may have saved Manchester United view £80 million, with a move for Jarrad Branthwaite now less likely.
Maguire’s Old Trafford career was deemed to be fizzling out last summer and Branthwaite was judged to be his likely replacement, Mail Sport reports. The 31-year-old’s contract has recently been extended until the end of next season, however, and his good form means a move for Branthwaite, rumoured to cost around £80m ($97m), is less of a priority.
Maguire’s time at United has not been plain sailing, with periods of bad form and losses of confidence seeing him on the receiving end of jeers – and worse – from supporters. He has enjoyed good spells of form as well, though, and is currently in the middle of one them since returning to the team under Ruben Amorim. The England defender has started five of United’s last six matches, including in the Premier League draw at Liverpool and FA Cup win at Arsenal.
Amad Diallo’s last-gasp hat-trick was enough to inspire United to a 3-1 win over Southampton on Tuesday, extending their unbeaten run to three games. Mathijs de Ligt and Lisandro Martinez have been mainstays in Amorim’s back three during that run – and Maguire’s presence will be viewed as crucial in the progression of Lenny Yoro into the team in the coming months. Yoro’s signing cost £52m in the summer and with Maguire in situ until the French youngster is ready, the signing of Branthwaite may not be necessary.
Branthwaite was reported to be one of United’s first transfer targets under the new partial-ownership of INEOS but a move did not transpire over the summer of 2024. The 22-year-old was exceptional in 2023-24 campaign, and received a call-up to England’s provisional Euro 2024 squad, but has suffered with injuries this season, playing just 14 matches for Everton. As a result, interest from the Toffees’ Premier League rivals has cooled.