Everton FC v AFC Bournemouth - Premier League Everton fans outside the stadium before the Premier League match between Everton FC and AFC Bournemouth at Goodison Park on May 28, 2023 in Liverpool, United Kingdom. Liverpool Goodison Park England United Kingdom PUBLICATIONxNOTxINxUK Copyright: xWillxPalmer/Sportsphoto/APLx 13947863
Former Manchester United defender Jonathan Spector believes the club can ‘aim higher’ than Everton star Jarrad Branthwaite this summer.
United have plans to bring in a new centre-half following a season where their options at the back have been decimated by injury.
The club are eager to bring in a long-term partner for Lisandro Martinez, who himself has been limited to just nine starting appearances, with Harry Maguire, Raphael Varane, Victor Lindelof and Jonny Evans among 12 players who could be moved on this summer.
With Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS now overseeing football operations at Old Trafford, the club have made Branthwaite a top target following his superb campaign at Everton.
The 21-year-old, who is also wanted by Tottenham, has played a key role under Sean Dyche and was called up to the senior England squad for the first time in March.
While INEOS are keen to bring young, British talent to Old Trafford, former defender Spector has reservations.
The former USA international, who made his way through United’s academy before spells at West Ham United and Birmingham City, rates the Toffees youngster as a ‘fantastic young player’ but believes a worrying lack of leadership in United’s defence calls for a more established option.
