Michael Carrick during United's win over Everton
Michael Carrick during United's win over Everton
Manchester United are said to retain an interest in Premier League centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite despite coming up short with previous offers. It has been a tricky start to the season for the Red Devils, who were narrowly beaten by rivals Manchester City over the weekend, and a City side with 10 men, no less.
United have won just one of their first four Premier League games of the season, and that will be bitterly disappointing for a team that was hoping to kick on from a solid campaign of last. Carrick is going to have to find a way around the poor form with the tools he has, but behind the scenes, the Red Devils will be preparing for next summer.
United are on course for some significant exits next summer, particularly at the back, with Harry Maguire, Luke Shaw and Lisandro Martinez all on track to leave the club. All three are out of contract, and the Red Devils are yet to address those contract situations.
Given the uncertainty of those situations, United are already considering potential replacements, and according to TalkSport, United retain an interest in Everton star Branthwaite, who they tried to sign with more than one offer back in the summer of 2024. The Toffees held firm, and they awarded the defender with a new long-term deal last year, but injuries have not been kind to the defender since then.
Branthwaite's stats this season
Appearances: 4
Tackles: 1.3 per game
Interceptions: 1.3 per game
Clearances: 5.3 per game
Blocks: 2.3 per game
Fortunately for him, Branthwaite is now back fit, and he is performing well for the Toffees early in the season, with David Moyes' men off to a solid start, especially defensively, conceding three goals in five games across all competitions so far.
The report claims United continue to monitor Branthwaite's progress ahead of potentially making a fresh move next summer, but a deal will naturally come at a big price, with FlashScore reporting around £80m, especially if the defender has a good season, tied up to a contract at Everton until 2030.
Moyes backs Branthwaite for England call-up
David Moyes looks on during Everton vs Bournemouth
David Moyes looks on during Everton vs Bournemouth
Everton boss Moyes recently praised Branthwaite, backing him for an England call-up by saying: "It would be fabulous if he did. I think England have got some really good centre-halves at the moment.
“You’ve got Marc Guehi, Levi Colwill, Ezri Konsa, there’s some really good centre-halves. But I think Jarrad’s in that group and I think there’s far more to come from Jarrad as well. He’s finding his way after his injury, but I want my players to be called up for their country because it means they’re doing well.”
Pundit Ian Wright has also been full of praise for Branthwaite previously.
“You watch how he plays, left-sided as well, he plays out well. Very brave. And then when you listen to his interview he sounds like somebody who is like yeah, I’m there, I’m here.
“He should be called up. And not only that, he should be played. Let’s have a look at him. I’m telling you we have a monster on our hands at left-sided centre-half. A monster.”