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Manchester United to duel Liverpool for Brazilian defensive colossus

Originally posted on We All Follow United
By Rohit Sarkar | Last updated Sep 22, 2025 9:15 AM ET

Manchester United are keeping tabs on Gleison Bremer and will lock horns with Liverpool to sign him

Manchester United’s backline once again looks fragile, with supporters unable to overlook the defensive frailties that have plagued the team. The absence of Lisandro Martínez since February due to a cruciate ligament injury has been particularly damaging, while Diogo Dalot’s recent muscle problem added further disruption, even if he is now close to a return. Since taking charge, Ruben Amorim has been forced to adjust his tactical shape to cope with repeated setbacks, yet momentum has remained elusive. New arrivals Matthijs de Ligt and Leny Yoro have bolstered the defence, but their own injury spells have only deepened the sense of instability.

Meanwhile, off-field stories continue to swirl, further unsettling the mood around Old Trafford. Reports from Spain suggest Barcelona are pleased with Marcus Rashford’s recent displays, a development United may welcome as they look to move the forward on permanently. Still, the wider issue remains at the back, because no matter how talented the attack, it will struggle to shine without a solid and consistent defensive structure.

Attention has now shifted to Juventus defender Gleison Bremer. The 28-year-old has impressed again in Serie A after recovering from a serious knee injury. Renowned for his strong tackling, aerial presence, and man-marking ability, he is widely regarded as one of Italy’s top centre-backs. According to Fichajes, both Manchester United and Liverpool are admirers of his qualities. However, with Bremer under contract until 2029, Juventus would demand a significant fee, yet bold Premier League bids are not uncommon in such situations.

Should United sign him?

Supporters should Gleison Bremer’s defensive toughness, particularly his dominance in the 2021/22 Serie A season when he was named the league’s Best defender. However, concerns persist over his distribution and lapses in discipline, flaws that could be exposed in Ruben Amorim’s high defensive line and aggressive pressing system. United have long recognised the importance of building from the back, and Bremer’s inconsistent long-ball accuracy raises doubts over whether he truly suits that approach.

A high line demands centre-backs who can play through pressure and link smoothly with midfielders, but Bremer has yet to prove himself in that regard. His tendency to commit fouls also invites pressure in dangerous areas. While the Brazilian would undoubtedly add steel and resilience to Old Trafford’s backline, Amorim may hesitate if he is searching for a ball-playing leader to anchor his system.

Meanwhile, headlines this week took a different turn when Phil Jones publicly backed Kobbie Mainoo to push for a January exit, sparking debate among fans about the club’s treatment of young talent. Against that backdrop, the pursuit of Bremer feels part of a broader question: what direction does Amorim want to take? Will he prioritise physical enforcers who dominate duels, or defenders who provide creativity and composure in possession? For now, United fans see Bremer as both a possible solution and a calculated risk, an answer to instability at the back, but not without complications.

This article first appeared on We All Follow United and was syndicated with permission.

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