Jarrad Branthwaite: Key update on United’s pursuit of Englishman | OneFootball

Manchester United are linked with several Premier League stars as the summer window draws nearer. The Red Devils are on a resurgent run under caretaker manager Michael Carrick, who took over from former head coach Ruben Amorim in January.

The Portuguese endured a difficult 14-month spell at Old Trafford, but the Englishman has instantly turned the team’s fortunes around. United are now third in the Premier League table after 31 games and are on course to secure a return to the Champions League next season.

The focus is fast shifting towards the upcoming transfer window, where the midfield is expected to be at the centre of the Red Devils’ plans. The defence could also be on the agenda, especially with Harry Maguire in the final phase of his career, and Matthijs de Ligt and Lisandro Martinez enduring prolonged fitness woes.

One player who has long been linked with a move to the Theatre of Dreams to solve the club’s defensive conundrum is Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite.

Premier League-proven defender

United have focused on players with Premier League-proven credentials of late, and Branthwaite fits the bill. The Englishman rose through the ranks at Carlisle United before moving to Everton in January 2020.

After loan deals with Blackburn Rovers and PSV Eindhoven, Branthwaite returned to the Merseyside club to fight for his place in the starting XI. He became a mainstay in the first team under former manager Sean Dyche and was heavily involved in the past two campaigns.

However, the 23 year old has struggled with a hamstring issue this season, and only recently returned to full fitness. Branthwaite has registered one goal and one assist from eight appearances in the Premier League so far, five of which were from the start.

Jarrad Branthwaite all-time Premier League Stats

Source: Premier League website.

Despite his injury woes, the Englishman’s stock remains high, and rumours of a proposed move to Old Trafford refuse to die. Some recent reports have suggested that United are in advanced talks to secure his signature this summer, and an update on the matter has now emerged.

United not in talks with Branthwaite

According to TEAMtalk, United are not engaged in discussions with Branthwaite over a possible move at the end of this season. The report states: “Everton sources have moved quickly to strongly dismiss suggestions that Manchester United are in ‘advanced talks’ over the signing of centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite, TEAMtalk can reveal.”

The report states that the Red Devils wanted to sign the Englishman in 2024, but the Toffees refused to let him go. The player signed a new deal until 2030 last June, but that has not stopped the rumour mill from turning.

The report goes on to rubbish rumours circulating on Twitter over a possible move to Old Trafford, stating: “Well-placed sources have dismissed claims of any ‘talks’ for Branthwaite and any suggestions that his future at the Hill Dickinson Stadium is in doubt, confirming the rumours are ‘nonsense.’”

“Everton view Branthwaite as a crucial player for the present and future, and believe he will play a leading role in helping them consistently compete for the European qualification places.”

Final Thoughts

United’s preference for players with Premier League experience makes Branthwaite a lucrative option, but prising him away from the Hill Dickinson Stadium may be near impossible. Recent reports have also linked the Red Devils with a move for Brentford skipper Nathan Collins, who could be a fine alternative to Branthwaite.

Featured image by Michael Regan/Getty Images

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