Manchester United may have failed to sign Jarrad Branthwaite from Everton in 2024, but the interest remains strong following reports of a secret meeting with the defender’s entourage.
It has been almost two years since Manchester United missed out on Jarrad Branthwaite.
A lot has changed – from managers, players, and transfer targets too.
The priority this summer will be to revamp the midfield following Casemiro’s departure. On top of that, United want to strengthen the left side of the pitch. It remains to be seen if a centre-back will be signed, with Harry Maguire set to sign a new contract at Old Trafford.
Jarrad Branthwaite playing against Newcastle
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Man Utd take patient approach with Jarrad Branthwaite
United have kept a close eye on Branthwaite since they had multiple bids rejected for the England international.
With that, the 23-year-old is still on the club’s radar.
Speaking to The United Stand, Ben Jacobs revealed that United met with Branthwaite’s camp in February, but they can take their time on the matter.
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“They like Jarrad Branthwaite, there’s no denying that. The advantage of Harry Maguire staying is they can take their time.
“There was a meeting with the Branthwaite camp in February, I’m told and it was reiterated on the players’ side that his interest in Manchester United hasn’t gone away,” Jacobs said.
“Everton feel calm about the situation and Branthwaite has been focusing on himself and recovery, so any exit hasn’t really been a topic of conversation.”
By renewing terms with Maguire, United could give themselves more time to evaluate the market and identify the right centre-back to replace the England veteran.
Another factor behind this could be that Branthwaite’s contract at Everton runs until June 2027.
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Joshua Zirkzee and Mason Mount during the Premier League match between Crystal Palace and Manchester United at Selhurst Park in 2025 in London, England.
Photo by Shaun Brooks – CameraSport via Getty Images
Branthwaite will have objectives, like any young footballer, to play in the biggest competitions.
European football is a possibility for the young defender, with the Toffees sitting eighth in the Premier League table after playing 31 matches.
Branthwaite recently stressed that he is focused on securing European football ahead of next season.
“We – as a collective – have made no secret that our goal this season is to get back into a European competition,” Branthwaite said, as quoted by Everton’s official website.
“It’s an ambitious one after some tough years but we all believe we have the quality to do so and the target is still there for us as we approach the final part of the season.
“It’s right that we keep looking up now, and keep setting targets that move us forward as a club. It felt like the beginning of a new chapter heading into this season: a new home, our new owners, the manager beginning his first full season since returning.
“We want to keep making progress and, ultimately, deliver success. I’ve been here for six years and I’ve seen a lot in that time but it all feels genuinely positive right now. Long may it continue.”
Does someone need to tell Branthwaite that a move to United could see him compete in the Champions League next season, granted Michael Carrick reaches his objective as United head coach?
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