United eye Branthwaite and Van de Ven as Conte signals interest in Old Trafford role

Manchester United are targeting a defensive overhaul in 2027, with Everton centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite and Tottenham’s Micky van de Ven among the names on their emerging shortlist — as Antonio Conte drops pointed hints about his desire to manage a fallen Premier League giant.

Having spent £215m on forwards in 2025 and £155m on midfielders this summer, United’s recruitment team is now turning its attention to the backline, the final phase of a three-window squad rebuild. The scale of that work will hinge on decisions over Harry Maguire, Lisandro Martinez and Luke Shaw, all of whom are out of contract at the end of this season. The club expect to sign at least one left-back and one, possibly two, centre-backs.

Branthwaite is firmly in the frame. United had two bids for the 24-year-old rejected by Everton in 2024, and while injury disrupted his last two seasons on Merseyside, he has played every minute of the Premier League campaign so far and returned to the England squad during the international break. His homegrown status adds further appeal, and if he stays fit through the season he is expected to rank highly on United’s 2027 centre-back list.

Van de Ven has also been monitored, with his left-footedness making him an attractive option for United’s defensive left side. However, Liverpool have shown the keenest interest in the 25-year-old, who only recently signed a five-year deal at Spurs. Brighton’s 19-year-old Luka Vuskovic, who moved to the Amex from Tottenham this summer, is another name drawing admiration for his data profile in both penalty areas, though his age and recent arrival make him a longer-term consideration.

Meanwhile, Antonio Conte has done little to dampen speculation linking him with the United job. In an interview with The Athletic, the former Chelsea and Spurs manager outlined the type of project that appeals to him. “If you go to a club where the history speaks for itself — a history made up of trophies, league titles and victories — you can only honour that history in one way: by having the ambition to bring that club back, if it isn’t there today, to fight for those goals,” Conte said. “There are many clubs that have somewhat lost sight of their history. I’d like to go to one of these clubs to dust off that history and make it shine once more.”

Conte also indicated he would welcome another stint in the Premier League. With Tottenham and Chelsea already on his CV, the description of a historically decorated English club currently underperforming fits United’s circumstances closely. His public availability and apparent interest are unlikely to ease the pressure currently bearing down on Old Trafford.