Man United 'identify' long-term Harry Maguire replacement as February meeting is 'revealed'

Manchester United reportedly held a meeting with the representatives of Jarrad Branthwaite in February, with the Red Devils still interested in the Everton centre-back.

Branthwaite is a long-term target for Man United, with the 20-time English champions making a strong attempt to sign the Englishman in the summer of 2024.

It is believed that the Red Devils had at least two offers rejected for Branthwaite ahead of the 2024-25 season, and the defender has since signed a new contract until June 2030.

Branthwaite only returned from a long-term hamstring injury at the end of January, so a frustrating campaign has seen him make just eight appearances.

A strong season would have put the centre-back in contention for a spot in the Three Lions squad for the 2026 World Cup, but his time is expected to come down the line.

Man United 'hold February meeting' with Branthwaite camp

According to journalist Ben Jacobs, Man United are still interested in Branthwaite and view him as a potential long-term replacement for Harry Maguire.

"There was a meeting with the Branthwaite camp in February, it was reiterated from the player's side that interest hasn't gone away," Jacobs told The United Stand. "Everton feel calm about the situation.

"Branthwaite has been focusing on himself, recovery and getting back on the pitch, any kind of exit hasn't been a topic of conversation, because he is committed to Everton, as a consequence we will see whether it's this summer or next.

"Part of the logic in Maguire staying is that Man United want to be more like Liverpool in the sense of finding that replacement before the actual replacement goes, so you may start to see in the market more overlap."

Is Maguire staying at Man United this summer?

There has not been anything official from Man United when it comes to Maguire's future, with the centre-back's contract due to expire at the end of June.

However, the expectation is that the 33-year-old will sign a new deal on reduced terms until the end of the 2026-27 campaign.

Maguire was sent off in Man United's last game against Bournemouth, but the experienced defender has been in excellent form since Michael Carrick's arrival as head coach.

There are believed to be a number of clubs preparing offers for Maguire, but an announcement on a new deal at Old Trafford is likely to arrive in the not too distant future.