Both turn like tanks, both clumsy, both easy to pressure on the ball.
Jarrad Branthwaite
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In the latest edition of the United Hour Podcast, Nik (@Rood), Imran (@Annihilate Now!) & Jamie (@Vault Dweller) celebrate a fantastic victory as Manchester United won 2-0 in the Derby. They celebrate the changes Carrick has made, discuss our new coaching team and find time to play a Stupid Game. Enjoy!
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Hardly need another CB that isn't good on the ball.
There's some links to United recently.
I think his mistakes vs our game turned alot off of him instantly.
I have a feeling we would be back for him because this would allow us to move on both Maguire and Martinez by replacing them just with Branthwaite. Branthwaite would be immense as a CCB but would be good cover at LCB because heaven looks like he can be good enough to nail that spot in his very few performances
(RF)Yoro, De Ligt,
(LF)Heaven, Branthwaite
(Ambidextrous) Mazroui
is a beautiful set of central defenders with the space enough to promote even more young CB's from our reserves.
I think his mistakes vs our game turned alot off of him instantly.
I have a feeling we would be back for him because this would allow us to move on both Maguire and Martinez by replacing them just with Branthwaite. Branthwaite would be immense as a CCB but would be good cover at LCB because heaven looks like he can be good enough to nail that spot in his very few performances
(RF)Yoro, De Ligt,
(LF)Heaven, Branthwaite
(Ambidextrous) Mazroui
is a beautiful set of central defenders with the space enough to promote even more young CB's from our reserves.
Relaxing Martinez would be really beneficial. He’s a weak link in this system with his continued decline and continuing injuries.
Assuming De Ligt will be a regular starter for us going forward, I'd want the CBs alongside him to be better on the ball than Branthwaite is. Because it isn't one of De Ligt's strengths, and is needed.
I'm obviously not a coach or manager -
But if I understand a 3CB tactic then the middle CCB is probably the one who has to be least confident on the ball.
This is why both Maguire & De Ligt have played at CCB.
A CCB's duty isn't to pass the ball - this is more to be done by the wider CB's. A CCB's duty is defend and almost be the last man in the tackle. A bit like a modern day sweeper.
That's why I have a feeling we might still go for Branthwaite because apparently he has very high duel win & header percentage because his pure defensive attributes would be very useful as a CCB but also gives us the ability to have another LCB.
A CCB is almost the opposite of a ST. His job is to be the last man in the tackle whilst the ST'S job is to be the last one to put the ball in the net. Both acting on opposite ends of the pitch in their own boxes. This is where Branthwaite may be seen as. It's normally the RCB & LCB that has to pass the ball the same as a LW & RW pass to ball to create for the striker.
We saw how Maguire improved under Amorim because the role really suits him and Branthwaite who may seem similar to Maguire also looks he has the potential to be better than Maguire aswell at the age of 22 whilst being of that same mould.
This ship has sailed? Close thread.
The success of Huijsen, Milenkovic and to a lesser extent Heaven is showing us that we don’t need to blow 60-70m on a CB at a time when we are tight on funds.
We have De Ligt, Yoro, Maz, Heaven for the long term. And Maguire for another year. There is no reason to blow big money on Branthwaite.
We have De Ligt, Yoro, Maz, Heaven for the long term. And Maguire for another year. There is no reason to blow big money on Branthwaite.
It wasn't the mistakes, it was the price tag, Everton wanted £80m which was far too much. I think the bids we put in of £45/50m were about right and I think that is what we'll stick to again.
You guys still want us to blow money on this overrated player? Despite the bigger need of signing a CF, a RWB, a CM and a no. 10, and our very limited budget?
I hope for once United can go one Summer without bringing in another CB , Unless there is a mass clear out and Likes of Maguire, Martinez , Shaw end up Leaving we should not be spending another penny on Center Backs .
Not particularly arsed about him, we are making good on the likes of Heaven and Yoro. Spending 75 million on JB seems foolish when other areas of the pitch need investment.
I don't see him leaving this summer. I think he will get a new contract and probably leave the season after if he does well. He's not been as good this season for multiple reasons (injury, poor overall team performance) etc. but he's still put in very good top level performances to show he's a top CB on his day. Last season he was consistent in that level and he needs to try and get back to that which he hopefully will going into next season. I don't think he's done enough though for a club to go in for him for the money we would likely ask for again.
The worry is that after more than a decade of consistent injury crisis at CB, expecting to suddenly have a season where enough of them stay fit seems foolish. We’re definitely going to be down 2 next season (Lindelof and Evans) and we’ve been down to the bare bones enough times this year with them.
If we sort the right wing back position properly, then I guess Dalot and Mazraoui can replace those two as CB options where they’re better suited anyway. Dalot in particular is rarely injured which will be a plus.
Ah not this crap again. He always seems to have a mistake in him and has looked average in any match I've seen him. We're slowly trying to get rid of one overpriced error prone english player, no need to add a fresh one.
This just reeks lazy journalism. No way we are going to sign a very expensive CB while we have quite a few good and promising ones on board already.
Would be a very Glazer era transfer.
Would be a very Glazer era transfer.
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I agree, another year to cement himself as a better player than he’s shown this season would be best for all parties involved.
A move to a bigger club seems less likely due to the fees demanded now.
I read somewhere that we were in talks to sign Juan Gimenez, a young CB from Rosario Central.
I’d say it’s far more likely to see that profile of signing than it is us spending £50m+ on someone like Branthwaite.
I’d say it’s far more likely to see that profile of signing than it is us spending £50m+ on someone like Branthwaite.
I do not see it happening and hope I am correct.
At CB, Manchester United have the following options going forward:
LCB - A.Heaven, L.Martinez*, L.Shaw
MCB - M.deLigt, H.Maguire, Casemiro?
RCB - L.Yoro, N.Mazraoui
Obviously, with the departures of both Evans & Lindelof, United could probably do with adding another CB but with the promise & emergence of Yoro & Heaven, the allocation of major funds to a position of secondary need would not be wise. The option of using Casemiro as a MCB is also on the table, particularly if they move on from Maguire.
I would not select any of the MCBs listed above to play either of the other CB positions - the wider CBs simply MUST be faster & better with the ball. That is the type of central defender could do with adding, more so for depth as Yoro & Heaven will hopefully be the settled wide CBs for many years to come.
* when fit, I would try to sell as having a pair of injury prone players at the same position is far to risky and nobody is going to touch Luke Shaw. Perhaps a January move?
At CB, Manchester United have the following options going forward:
LCB - A.Heaven, L.Martinez*, L.Shaw
MCB - M.deLigt, H.Maguire, Casemiro?
RCB - L.Yoro, N.Mazraoui
Obviously, with the departures of both Evans & Lindelof, United could probably do with adding another CB but with the promise & emergence of Yoro & Heaven, the allocation of major funds to a position of secondary need would not be wise. The option of using Casemiro as a MCB is also on the table, particularly if they move on from Maguire.
I would not select any of the MCBs listed above to play either of the other CB positions - the wider CBs simply MUST be faster & better with the ball. That is the type of central defender could do with adding, more so for depth as Yoro & Heaven will hopefully be the settled wide CBs for many years to come.
* when fit, I would try to sell as having a pair of injury prone players at the same position is far to risky and nobody is going to touch Luke Shaw. Perhaps a January move?
We made fair offers for him last summer and got knocked back, the shop had sailed.
He was a sub for the under 21's last night, a guy I've never heard of started ahead of him.
He was a sub for the under 21's last night, a guy I've never heard of started ahead of him.
He can't even make the England squad in a position they are weak. Stones and Maguire out injured as well.
The worst of it is that wouldn't even lower his price. Max Kilman went for £40m last summer and he hasn't even got an England call up.
The worst of it is that wouldn't even lower his price. Max Kilman went for £40m last summer and he hasn't even got an England call up.
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This argument is, and forever will be, daft.
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And I’m here for that. Signing overpriced PL players has to be reserved for proper unmissable talent. The next Kane or whoever.
Would it be smart to sign a new contract considering how hard PL-clubs usually make it for players to leave for bigger clubs? If he dont sign, he will have better cards on his hands in the summer of 2026. He will be able to leave for a lower fee, and probably get a better salary for what will likely be one of his two big contracts.
Regarding him making a few mistakes; most young CBs do. If he can gain experience, and aim to leave at 24 in 2026 that would be perfect for him. Maybe even a year too soon. Most players mature around 25-26, and I think CBs peak between 27 and 33.
For Man Utd, he dont make much sense this summer. He is not a very progressive CB, and we already have de Ligt and Maguire for the CCB spot. Maybe if Maguire leave in the summer of ‘26, Branthwaite would be a great option. He is both faster and more physical than de Ligt, and we might need that type of presence.
If Man Utd are going to buy a CB this summer, and I’m really not sure that make sense, I think it should be a LCB who is both a good passer of the ball and have the physical tools that Martinez lack. I like Martinez, but his lack of pace is a worry. So is his injuries. And I think Heaven is too young to be a regular. Ideally, I would prefer a first choice LCB with Heaven as a back up option.
It is interesting that Alavaro has been used as an LCB. He could be both an option as an LCB and LWB.
I just don't see the market being there for him so think he will take the increase in money with a way out for him next summer. Similar to Cunha at Wolves.
Maybe. But if the «way out» is expensive for a buyer they will pay him less from 2026 to 2031.
Dan Burn is in the squad , let that sink in
I'm not sure what your point is here.
I don't think United agreeing terms with him last season helped. His poor form helps your hand in any contract negotiations though, as it was reported after the summer window that he was asking for the same wages United were offering.
The same Dan Burn who scored in a cup final to help his team win a trophy?
Give him the ballon d’or
I wouldn’t be too keen on this move, especially if he’s coming in as a wide center-back. He’s not particularly strong on the ball, doesn’t carry it forward, and struggles when defending in wide areas.
If it’s for the central centre-back role, then maybe - but ideally, I’d prefer Yoro and De Ligt to rotate in that position. Like Branthwaite, I believe Yoro is better suited to the central role, and if we purchase a centre back in the summer, then we should be prioritising players who can effectively defend in wide areas for the wide center-back spots.
If it’s for the central centre-back role, then maybe - but ideally, I’d prefer Yoro and De Ligt to rotate in that position. Like Branthwaite, I believe Yoro is better suited to the central role, and if we purchase a centre back in the summer, then we should be prioritising players who can effectively defend in wide areas for the wide center-back spots.
I'd rather move for Yusuf Akçiçek
He’s not a 80m player, nor a 60m player, nor a 50m player. Hes a 35m pound player and that’s because of his nationality
Our defensive record isnt good (joint 10th with City, making it bang average in the league) and the most senior and experienced CBs are probably leaving in the summer - Evans, Lindelof maybe Maguire. Theres a high chance we'll sign someone experienced who we can expect to play at a high level right from the start, and that probably means a fair amount of money. Perhaps not as high as de Ligt, but it might not be a lot less if its someone in demand from multiple clubs. Hopefully someone on less wages though
The good and promising ones arent ready for us to be a top 4-5 club. They're good for us now at 13th
Could be wrong but I don’t think this is the direction we’ll be taking our (seemingly limited) transfer budget this summer.
Yep.
We've had our fair share of good to very good United players who weren't consistently in the England first 11 or squad.
Don't see us spending more the £30m to £40m on a player this summer (unless a striker falls into our lap), we have too many needs
You're right.
Our backline is far from perfect but it's decent enough. Experience with youth and probably the best passing defender out there in Licha.
Considering he will probably want over 100k in wages on a long contract I wouldn't take him on a free.
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