INEOS is allegedly planning a second effort to sign a specific Manchester United transfer target for Erik ten Hag in January after failing to close a deal during the summer transfer window.

News of Man Utd’s transfer

The rebuilding of Manchester United under Sir Jim Ratcliffe appeared to have only begun during the summer window. Despite the arrival of Matthijs de Ligt, Noussair Mazraoui, Leny Yoro, Manuel Ugarte, and Joshua Zirkzee, the Red Devils may still require reinforcements in January based on their previous performance.

United States (7) Connected
However, they have the opportunity to bounce back from a dismal 1-1 draw against FC Twente in midweek as they prepare for a big-six match against Tottenham Hotspur.

Prior to 2025, the Red Devils have already been connected to a number of reinforcements in terms of transfers, notably Nico Williams of Athletic Bilbao. Recent rumors claim that INEOS is willing to make any and all sacrifices in order to sign the Spaniard before Barcelona in what would be the ultimate hijack.

Spain’s Nico Williams
However, officials at Old Trafford are apparently gunning for more than simply attacking additions. Football Insider’s Pete O’Rourke claims that INEOS is preparing a January attempt to get Jarrad Branthwaite following Manchester United’s unsuccessful attempt to sign him with a large £60 million offer during the summer transfer window.

Remaining at Everton, Branthwaite overcame his early-season injury troubles to give the Toffees a taste of what it may be like to play without their star defender. Sadly, that glimpse has turned into more of a nightmare, as Goodison Park players are now in the midst of yet another relegation battle. And if they keep failing, Manchester United might intervene this winter to make a temporary nightmare permanent.

“Excellent” Branthwaite and De Ligt might be partners.

Given that the Toffees reportedly turned down a summer offer in that range, we can conclude Everton values the defender at more than £60 million. However, if Manchester United signs the Goodison Park standout, De Ligt and Branthwaite might become the greatest team. Though Branthwaite is still only 22 years old, he hasn’t yet reached his peak, and there aren’t many players better to learn from than De Ligt, a guy who has experience playing with Europe’s finest.

23/24 league stats (source: FBref)

Jarrad Branthwaite

Matthijs de Ligt

advancing passes

2.

16

carries progressive

74

98

Tackles prevailed.

32

12

Ball retrievals

181

73

Unsurprisingly, Branthwaite has received great appreciation from those in the English football community throughout his ascent. One such person is interim England manager Lee Carsley, who stated (via Liverpool Echo) that “there were a few players that could’ve worn the armband” when leading the U21 team. It was our way of letting Jarrad know how well we believe he’s performing right now.

“I believe he can contribute to the game in terms of leadership in this regard. He sets an example for others to follow; he’s a humble, modest man, yet his playing style is quite commanding. He led the squad out tonight, and I thought he was fantastic. He should be pleased of that.”