Man United stay keen on England international

Ruben Amorim will lead Manchester United for the first time when they travel to Ipswich Town later this month.

The Portuguese was named as the Red Devils’ manager following the dismissal of Erik ten Hag, and he arrives in England as one of Europe’s most highly-regarded young coaches.

The 29-year-old steered Sporting CP to two Portuguese top-tier titles during his period in Lisbon, and he will aim to secure trophies at Old Trafford.

Meanwhile, it has been revealed that United are still keen on an England international.

According to GiveMeSport, the Red Devils are still eyeing Everton centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite.

The former Blackburn Rovers player has been a target for the Manchester team for a while now, making several proposals for the footballer last summer, and the report indicates that Amorim’s appointment hasn’t altered that.

Branthwaite, 22, signed for the Toffees from Blackburn three years ago and, after a loan spell with Dutch side PSV Eindhoven, he is now seen as one of the top central defenders in the division.

Altogether the Englishman has appeared 58 times for Everton in all competitions, but he has been restricted to just four games so far this season due to a groin issue.

Branthwaite’s agreement with the Merseyside club is scheduled to conclude in the summer of 2027, but the report states that United could try to tempt the defender away from Goodison Park beforehand.

Last summer, when United had offers declined for the defender, Everton were believed to rate the player at roughly £80 million.

It remains uncertain whether or not the Toffees’ assessment of Branthwaite has shifted as he approaches the end of his contract, but the report hints that United stay keen as they look to strengthen Amorim’s defensive choices.