Man Utd set to be hijacked by Liverpool in £70million transfer for top target – but move would be full of controversy
LIVERPOOL are reportedly ready to hijack Man Utd’s move for Jarrad Branthwaite – by swooping in January.
The Red Devils saw a £50million approach for the Everton defender rejected over the summer.
United brought in Leny Yoro and Matthijs de Ligt for a combined £100million after missing out on the Three Lions star.
De Ligt has struggled for form since making the switch from Bayern Munich, while £52m teenager Yoro remains sidelined until 2025 through injury.
According to The Daily Mail, United are likely to focus on bolstering their attacking options in January.
That leaves the door open for Liverpool – long-time admirers of Branthwaite – to offer closer to Everton’s £70m valuation.
The report adds that Branthwaite “is unlikely to sign an extension to his contract,” which expires in June 2027.
Branthwaite, 22, enjoyed a breakout campaign last season.
He was included in Gareth Southgate’s provisional England squad for Euro 2024, but didn’t make the cut.
Branthwaite made his first appearance of the new season last Saturday against Crystal Palace.
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Returning from a hernia operation, the youngster helped Sean Dyche’s side to their first win of the campaign.
Down the M62, De Ligt has struggled since arriving at Old Trafford in a £43m deal.
Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher slammed the Dutchman following Sunday’s calamitous 3-0 loss to Tottenham.
Carragher said: “The rest of the defence is awful, it always has been when they lose possession.
“But where’s De Ligt? The right-back has come out here but look where De Ligt is! You’ve got to get over.
Man Utd ratings vs Tottenham
MANCHESTER UNITED suffered a 3-0 thrashing against Tottenham at Old Trafford.
Captain Bruno Fernandes was sent off in the first half for fouling James Maddison, forcing Erik Ten Hag’s side to play with 10 men against Ange Postecoglou’s team.
After back-to-back draws against Crystal Palace and FC Twente fans hoped United would redeem themselves against Spurs.
However, the match at Old Trafford quickly turned sour. Brennan Johnson scored early and things worsened when Fernandes was sent off allowing Spurs to extend their lead to 3-0.
And here is how SunSports Charlie Wyett rated the Manchester United stars.
Andre Onana – 5
Stood his ground to deliver a good save from Timo Werner who was clean through – no chance for either goal.
Noussair Mazraoui – 5
First in the refs’ book for chopping down Destiny Udogie. Could also have blocked Micky van de Ven for the goal. Just watched Solanke make it 3-0.
Matthijs de Ligt – 4
Shocking first half. Failed to cut out the cross from Micky van de Ven which led to the first goal.
Lisandro Martinez – 5
Switched off for the Spurs goal and was drawn to the ball and Johnson was left unmarked.
Diogo Dalot – 5
Gave the ball away in dangerous areas and struggled against Johnson.
Manuel Ugarte – 5
Suffered a stinker and was lucky to last until the 73rd minute.
Kobbie Mainoo – 5
Not one of his better performances and was taken off just before half-time following Fernandes’ sending-off.
Marcus Rashford – 5
Over-ran the ball for Tottenham’s first. Way off the pace.
Bruno Fernandes – 4
Arguably the worst captain in United’s history. Deserved red card for his challenge on James Maddison.
Alejandro Garnacho – 6
Had United’s only chance in the first half but hit the outside of the post. Improved in the second half.
Joshua Zirkzee – 5
Looked completely lost up front – threatening to be another poor Erik ten Hag signing. Replaced at half-time.
Subs:
Mount (for Mainoo 45) 5, Casemiro (for Zirkzee 46) 7, Hojlund (for Rashford 73) 5, Eriksen (for Ugarte 73) 5.
“Two massive chances and the goal, De Ligt, a player they brought in for huge money, is completely out of position all the time.
“So he ends up having to go flying into challenge and then you leave yourself in a situation where you can get yellow cards and red cards.”
United boss Erik ten Hag is now the bookies’ favourite to be the next Premier League manager sacked.
He faces two huge games this week – first against Porto in the Champions League, before Sunday’s trip to Aston Villa.