Silvestre discusses the FA Cup, Højlund, Mainoo and Branthwaite

Here at bettingexpert, Devang Prasad sat down with former Manchester United defender Mikael Silvestre. The pair delved into United’s seasonal hopes with FA Cup glory in their reach.

The Frenchman also set Rasmus Højlund a goals target for next season, touched on the form of Kobbie Mainoo and shared his thoughts on speculation around the future of Jarrad Branthwaite.

United must focus on FA Cup glory

Following their exhilarating 4-3 triumph over Liverpool last month, Manchester United are gearing up for a significant semi-final showdown with Championship outfit Coventry. This clash emerges as United’s most tangible chance for silverware this season, a quest that could decisively influence Erik ten Hag’s future at the helm. In the wake of United’s recent stumble against Brentford, former United star Mikael Silvestre has voiced that the team’s paramount objective should now pivot to securing FA Cup glory.

“Well, a title is always the objective, so 100%. The FA Cup still means a lot, so it should be the main objective. They did it with the league cup last year, so let’s see if they can do it again.”

Højlund set 20 goal target for next season

Following a sluggish kickoff to the season, particularly within the Premier League’s rigorous competition, Manchester United’s Rasmus Højlund has found his footing since the turn of the year. Having amassed 13 goals across 32 appearances, the Danish forward’s contribution stands out during United’s tumultuous season.Højlund’s adaptation to the pace and physicality of the Premier League took some time but his goal tally is notably commendable.

As the current season winds down, the focal point shifts to next season, especially regarding Højlund’s aspirations and potential targets. Given his current trajectory, Silvestre has a benchmark of 15-20 goals for the Dane next season.

“He should target to score 20 goals next season. If the team is improving, he can definitely reach that level and gradually become a bigger force in the Premier League and for Man United.”

“I hope he will succeed.”

Are United over-reliant on star Mainoo?

One of the few bright spots of the season has been the emergence academy graduate Kobbie Mainoo. The 18 year old has deservedly won a ton of plaudits since breaking into the Manchester United team. He is also a mainstay in the United midfield starting nearly every game for United. Questions are being asked about his development and whether he is being rushed. Should there be some measure of balance to his playing time? And could there be some ramifications later on in his career considering how heavily United already rely upon the capped England star.

“I think right now, who would you play instead of him? He is playing so well, and Man United wants him to play to get a good chance of getting a good result:”

“His game time and recovery should be considered, because he does play a lot of games, but it doesn’t seem like he is suffering and mentally he is really cool about it.”

“It looks like he can handle the situation, but of course it’s easier to monitor his physique than his mentality, but it looks like he can handle it. But the season is coming to an end and he will get his break there.”

United urged to move in for back up Branthwaite

With the season drawing to a close, it’s never too early to start looking ahead to the summer transfer window in which United have been linked to two defenders – Jarrad Branthwaite of Everton and Gleison Bremer of Juventus. United are reportedly ready to meet the buyout clause of Juventus defender Gleison Bremer whilst the future of Branthwaite has been hotly contested with United said to be massively interested. Silvestre urges United to make a move for Branthwaite,  suggesting he would offer competition and be a backup option for Raphael Varane, Lisandro Martinez and Harry Maguire.

“I would go for Jarrad Branthwaite instead of Bremer. He would be a good back up and offer competition to Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane and Harry Maguire. He speaks English and he is home grown, which is a big advantage. He ticks a lot of boxes and he plays for the under 21 England team as well.”

“He would be a good signing.”

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