Manchester United has had a terrible season in 2023–2024. After losing their first 12 games, Erik ten Hag’s team is presently sixth in the Premier League standings, 13 points off of a top-four position.

Additionally, they were eliminated from the Champions League during the group stages, and according to Opta Joe, their 15 goals surrendered throughout the competition was the highest by a Premier League side in a single campaign.


Naturally, these results are far from satisfactory for a team the size of United, and manager Ten Hag, who is in his second season at the team, has come under heavy fire as a result. It is currently unknown whether the club will split up with Ten Hag this summer, since they have repeatedly denied that they have been speaking with other managers.

This season, United supporters have laid the blame in a few different places. In addition to criticising Ten Hag, United supporters have also laid responsibility at the feet of individual players, such as Casemiro, who has battled with form this season and has not looked like the player he usually is; Jamie Redknapp, a commentator, has nicknamed him a “Soccer Aid” player.

Manchester United Premier League casemiro
Naturally, United has looked into the transfer market to address the issue—though not only in midfield. The Red Devils have considered Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite as the guy to shore up the defence, but with his £75 million price tag, GiveMeSport reports that they may need to go elsewhere. They have chosen one of the top defenders in Serie A as their alternative.

Branthwaite Alternative for Manchester United
The player in issue is Gleison Bremer, a center-back for Juventus who has lately shown himself to be United’s best option in lieu of 21-year-old Branthwaite. The Mirror claims that Bremer’s contract has a £43 million release clause, which would save United £32 million if they choose to sign the Brazilian over Branthwaite.

Bremer, 27, a Brazil international who played one minute against England last month at Wembley, has been an important member of the Turin team this year. In 32 Serie A starts, he has participated in every minute of the competition.

Bremer, Juventus, Series A Premier League, Torres, Arsenal, and transfer rumours
Journalist Rudy Galetti claims that Juve is pursuing Atletico Madrid’s Mario Hermoso as a possible replacement for Bremer, and that the Old Trafford team’s interest in the player “is becoming increasingly insistent.”

How Branthwaite and Bremer are comparable
Bremer, one of the most highly-regarded centre backs in Europe, was called a “monster” at the core of Juventus’ defence by football pundit Ben Mattinson on X. According to Sofascore, the 27-year-old has contributed to Juve’s 15 clean sheets this season, which is tied for third most in Serie A. According to Sofascore, it is nearly twice as many as Manchester United have managed to maintain this season—eight.

The primary distinction between Bremer and Branthwaite is that the Everton player is right-footed, while Juve’s number three is left-footed. Since Braithwaite is just as powerful on both feet and United isn’t really looking for a left-sided center-back, this isn’t necessarily a reason for alarm. Both can play central center-back in a back three while the ball is in possession, which is probably where they would both fit in at United if they signed a contract there the following summer.

ryan astley loan, jarrad branthwaite, everton academy, sean dyche, and Ryan
Being an aggressive center-back, Bremer isn’t hesitant to challenge opponents in air or ground duels. He prefers to take the initiative and narrow the distance. Despite his size, Branthwaite is a lightning-fast defender who excels at covering broad areas.

According to Fbref, Bremer has a high aerodynamic ranking. His 2.88 aerial duels won per ninety minutes puts him in the top 15% of Serie A centre backs. By contrast, Branthwaite leads all defenders in the Premier League this season with an average of 2.69 aerial duels won per ninety minutes, according to Fbref.

Having said that, it is important to keep in mind that Brantwahite is significantly taller than Bremer—she is 6 feet 5 and the latter is 6 feet 2—than Bremer.

On the ball is another area where Bremer’s stats compare favourably to Branthwaite’s. The Juventus defence, while still not great, averages 3.32 progressive passes every ninety minutes, whereas Branthwaite only manages 2.06 passes per ninety.

Glenison-Bremer Premier League transfers to Newcastle
But keep in mind that Branthwaite is playing for an Everton team that has significantly less possession than Juventus and plays a different style of football, so proceed with caution. Contrary to what the stats indicate, Branthwaite is actually an excellent player with the ball.

Their respective interception totals show how well both defenders read the game. Here, Branthwaite shines; his 1.61 interceptions per ninety minutes puts him in the top 9% of Premier League interceptions. Bremer, on the other hand, only produces 1.22 every 90 minutes, which puts him in the 65th percentile.

Undoubtedly, Casemiro’s problems this season may be resolved if Bremer signs on. Being dribbled past 2.2 times per game in the league, the Brazilian midfielder has looked like a shell of his former self. However, having Bremer behind him to cover for him if he loses a challenge might be crucial for the 32-year-old veteran.

Premier League news about Glenison Bremer’s transfer to Juventus
The former Real Madrid star, who has been linked to a transfer away from Old Trafford, may benefit by adding a player like Bremer, who can assist in duels and by cleaning up loose balls. It is terrible to witness such a deterioration, though.

In the event that Manchester United decides Branthwaite is not available this season, Bremer is a fantastic substitute. He leaves a lot to be desired in possession, but he is aggressive and skilled in the air.

He might be a terrific addition for the Red Devils for under £43 million if they want to bolster their defence and give his countryman Casemiro greater help before him.