Report: Manchester United ‘looking at’ £60million England defender

Manchester United are on the lookout for defensive reinforcements this summer and Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi has emerged as a potential target. While Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite apparently remains the top choice, Guehi is considered a strong alternative. Let’s delve into what was said, key stats, comparisons to United’s current defenders and the likelihood and potential fees for this transfer. This is one to watch.

According to Give Me Sport sources, “Manchester United will look to sign Guehi if they find it will be impossible to sign Branthwaite during the summer transfer window.” This indicates that United are actively looking to strengthen their defense and Guehi is at the top of their list of alternatives. The 23-year-old centre-back has been valued at £60million by Crystal Palace, which is in line with the budget the Red Devils have set aside for defensive improvements ahead of the 2024/25 campaign. Despite his injury-plagued season, Guehi’s potential and composure on the ball caught the eye of United’s scouts.

Marc Guehi, 23, has made 29 appearances this season despite being limited by injury. Standing at 1.82m, he established himself as a reliable centre-back for Crystal Palace and earned England caps. His stats are impressive with a pass completion percentage of 86.9% and an average of 5.33 ball recoveries per 90 minutes. However, his injury history could be a concern for potential suitors. The Euros could be a real chance for him to showcase his talents and he could even make a blistering case for himself if he has a good tournament.

When comparing Marc Guehi to current Manchester United centre-back Harry Maguire, some key differences emerge. Guehi’s aerial duel success rate is 50%, which is considerably lower than Maguire’s 78.4%. It’s good to have a balance and why Martinez isn’t the greatest, this stat is less than impressive for a star defender in the Premier League. Guehi’s pass completion rate and ball recoveries are commendable, but his lower tackle and aerial duel rates than his England counterpart may be a concern. United’s defensive strategy often relies on strong aerial presence and robust tackling, areas in which Maguire excels. This comparison highlights Guehi’s strengths in possession, but also highlights areas where he may need to improve to fit into United’s defensive set-up.

Marc Guehi’s valuation stands at £60m, a figure Crystal Palace are adamant on. This fee is at the top of Manchester United’s budget for defensive reinforcements. Guehi’s contract with Crystal Palace runs until June 2026, giving the club significant negotiating leverage. According to transfermarkt.co.uk, his market value is €38m, suggesting United may have to pay a premium to secure his services. With Raphael Varane leaving at the end of his contract, the urgency to find a capable replacement is high. Guehi, described as composed by England boss Gareth Southgate, fits the profile of a player who could step into that role. However, United will need to weigh the potential risks associated with his injury history and areas for improvement. You could see why he would lean towards Branthwaite.