Manchester United are already lining up the first new signing for Michael Carrick’s replacement at Old Trafford, with Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite reportedly a top target for the Red Devils.

After a torrid time with injuries over the last 18 months, Branthwaite has shrugged off concerns over his fitness by starting the first seven games of Everton’s Premier League campaign.

Manchester United have long been admirers of the 24-year-old, seeing two bids rejected for the centre-half in the summer of 2024 following Branthwaite’s breakthrough campaign in the Premier League.

With Carrick’s tenure at Old Trafford approaching its conclusion, Football Insider reports that Man Utd have placed Branthwaite at the top of their list for a rebuild under a new manager.

Jarrod Branthwaite

AFP/Getty

Capped three times by England, Branthwaite is under contract at Everton until the summer of 2030, with the Toffees likely to demand a figure of around £80million for his services.

After overhauling their attacking options ahead of the 2025-26 season, this summer Manchester United reinforced their midfield, drafting in Carlos Baleba, Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos for a reported combined fee of £155million.

Now, the Red Devils want to address their defence, which has been plagued by injury-prone players and poor performances. Centre-half Lisandro Martinez cast doubt over his Manchester United future when he hit out at the club’s technical director Jason Wilcox for supposed failings in the transfer market.

Since Wilcox joined the club, Man United have spent over £350m on new signings, with the only defensive additions wing-back Patrick Dorgu and young centre-back Ayden Heaven in February 2024.

Veteran Luke Shaw has had doubts over his fitness for many years, while Harry Maguire has been a divisive figure due to his performances for the club.

Branthwaite made just 10 Premier League appearances last term as he was plagued with a recurring hamstring issue.

The Barnsley academy product’s quality is such that Merseyside rivals Liverpool have been attributed with an interest. Liverpool have not signed a player directly from their rivals since the £800,000 capture of Abel Xavier in 2002.