Manchester United target Jarrad Branthwaite was involved in an extremely fiery Merseyside derby.
Liverpool’s Premier League title hopes were dealt a blow on Wednesday night when Everton’s James Tarkowski scored a dramatic equaliser in stoppage time.
Everton drew 2-2 in the final Merseyside derby at Goodison Park, and any Manchester United fans watching will have noticed the incredible performance of Toffees centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite.
Ineos wanted to sign the England international last summer with United submitting two bids for Branthwaite – the second worth as much as £50m.
However, United walked away from the Branthwaite deal after Everton stuck to a £70m asking price. The Red Devils instead turned their attention to Leny Yoro and Matthijs de Ligt.
Jarrad Branthwaite of Everton gestures during the Emirates FA Cup Fourth Round match between Everton and AFC Bournemouth at Goodison Park on Febru...
Photo by Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/Getty Images
Jarrad Branthwaite stars for Everton vs Liverpool
Branthwaite dented his chances of a United move in December when he made several mistakes as Ruben Amorim’s side won 4-0.
However, the 22-year-old was sensational against Liverpool, earning an 8.1 rating on SofaScore – the highest of any Everton player.
MORE UNITED STORIES
Here are some of Branthwaite’s stats from his latest Everton display, which proves he was one of the best players on the pitch.
Minutes played 90
Assists 1
Touches 61
Passes completed 76% (28/37)
Aerial duels won 100% (2/2)
Tackles completed 100% (2/2)
Clearances 17
Dribbled past 0
Jarrad Branthwaite match stats from Everton 2-2 Liverpool
Branthwaite assisted Beto’s opening goal and then kept Liverpool’s front line relatively quiet with a superb showing at the back.
Man United remain interested in Jarrad Branthwaite in 2025
United remain on the lookout for extra depth and quality at centre-back, with Victor Lindelof and Jonny Evans likely to leave in the summer.
Yoro and De Ligt were signed in the summer, but with Amorim implementing a system with three centre-backs, it is an area of the pitch where he will need plenty of options.
Ineos held talks over Branthwaite ahead of the January window, but it was always unlikely that Everton would let him leave midway through a season.
However, a summer deal could still be on the cards. Branthwaite was open to joining United in the summer with personal terms already agreed. The only hurdle would be agreeing a fee with Everton.
READ MORE: Five centre-backs Man United have been linked to for 2025, including £51m star loved by Ruben Amorim
Everton’s takeover increases their chances of keeping Branthwaite, with the Merseyside club now fixing the financial problems that stopped them offering him a new deal.
But if Branthwaite pushes for a summer deal, Everton may be forced to lower their asking price to get a deal over the line.