Man United summer transfer plan already clear after signing Jarrad Branthwaite alternative

Manchester United are set to come up against one of their former transfer targets this weekend when they travel to Goodison Park to take on fellow strugglers Everton.

United were linked with a big money move for Toffees' defender Jarrad Branthwaite last summer under former boss Erik ten Hag, but a move to Old Trafford would not come to fruition, despite offers being made. Instead, United would sign two more of Ten Hag's former players, Mathijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui, in an attempt to bolster their back-line.

The Reds had been quoted a transfer fee in excess of £70million for the 22-year-old defender last summer, instead spending £42.7million on De Ligt and £17million on Mazraoui with add-ons included. The latter of the two has been arguably the most consistent summer signing for United this season, although their frailties at the back really have not improved.

Branthwaite has continued to be linked with a move to Old Trafford, though United may well have already signed his alternative last month.

Amorim's side brought in promising defender Ayden Heaven from Arsenal last month, with the 18-year-old signed on as a first-team player. Jason Wilcox, who works as technical director at the club, said: "We are delighted Ayden has joined Manchester United.

"He is already an extremely talented defender who is ready to join our first-team squad in order to maximise his development. This club has a phenomenal track record of supporting young players - and we believe Ayden is in the perfect place to reach his excellent potential."

Although he's yet to make his competitive debut for United's first-team, Heaven was named on the bench for the recent defeat at Spurs - and he has since gone on to make his debut for the U21s