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Manchester United are looking to make moves at centre-back this transfer window but face a big decision.

Manchester United have been pursuing the signings of three centre-backs, Matthijs de Ligt, Jarrad Branthwaite and Leny Yoro.

The way the wind is blowing, Manchester United may only end up with one, with De Ligt the only one currently looking probable.

Everton have been resistant on Branthwaite and their sale of Amadou Onana at £50 million strengthens their hand further. Meanwhile Real Madrid are favorites to land Yoro.

Manchester United must switch focus

The Leny Yoro deal is one United will get done if they can. The Red Devils see Yoro as a ‘generational talent’. But it will be difficult.

The Branthwaite situation is a little clearer. Manchester United must pay Everton’s asking price of £70 million.

This is not a fee Ineos want to pay for any player this summer. This is a summer where United are trying to recover from errors of the past where the club have overpaid for players.

The Branthwaite situation is a first test. They need to show the acumen to pivot to sign an alternative, and not bow to Everton’s demands, as the club usually do. Deals for Harry Maguire and Antony are past examples.

Goncalo Inacio is the right target

Jarrad Branthwaite is a unique profile as he can play on both sides at centre-back. But specifically, Manchester United are looking for a left-footed central defender who can compete with and back-up Lisandro Martinez.

The most sensible move United could make is to pivot to sign Sporting centre-back Goncalo Inacio.

Goncalo Inacio has a release clause of £51 million, making the deal a relatively simple one to do. There will be no haggling over a fee, unless the club wish to restructure payments similar to the Joshua Zirkzee deal.

Inacio, 22, is young and ready for a new challenge. He is a two-time title winner in Portugal, where he has made 171 appearances for his club already.

The defender is an international for Portugal, and Inacio has been praised by Bruno Fernandes for his progress for club and country.

United have long-standing interest in the defender, first linked to Goncalo Inacio in May 2022, via Portuguese newspaper Correia da Manha.

Fabrizio Romano said on YouTube earlier this summer that Inacio remains on United’s radar, and even if he was not the first target, he could now be a very sensible next option if the Branthwaite move is now considered too costly.