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Manchester United are reportedly set to abandon their pursuit of Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite in favour of a younger and cheaper defender, amidst Harry Maguire’s dramatic resurgence.
United recently exercised their option to trigger a one-year extension clause in Maguire’s contract following a string of excellent performances, especially since Ruben Amorim’s appointment.
The 31-year-old has now started five consecutive games under Amorim and is once again playing impressively at the heart of the defence, in a system he knows well from his England days under Gareth Southgate.
Maguire was excellent on Sunday as a 10-man United side beat Arsenal on penalties to dump them out of the FA Cup and advance to the fourth round of the competition.
He was on the pitch for 104 minutes and when he came off, received a standing ovation from the travelling supporters.
The United n.o 5 spoke to The Mirror and credited Amorim for his improved form.
Now, The Daily Mail reveal that United’s transfer plans have changed due to Maguire’s incredible turnaround.
According to the newspaper, “Maguire was expected to leave Old Trafford as a free agent along with Victor Lindelof and Jonny Evans in June, forcing United to make another big signing in central defence a year after forking out £59million to Lille for Leny Yoro.”
“Confidential understands that the club will look at a younger centre-back with potential rather than pay big money for a ready-made replacement like Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite who would have cost around £70million and £160,000-a-week in wages.”
“That will enable United to re-direct their limited transfer funds to other areas of the team at a time when money is tight at Old Trafford.”
“Maguire, Matthijs de Ligt, Lisandro Martinez and Yoro are set to continue as United’s pool of centre-backs with Noussair Mazraoui and Luke Shaw – if he stays – both able to play in the back-three.”
After United elected to extend Maguire’s stay at Old Trafford but an additional year, he now has 18 months left on his current terms.
If he keeps up his form, United may very well initiate talks over a new deal.
Featured image Alex Pantling via Getty Images
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