After transfer target Jarrad Branthwaite’s Old Trafford debut on Saturday, Manchester United supporters were in awe.
The 21-year-old centre back has been Everton’s bright spot during a disappointing season overall, and he maintained his excellent play on his own in the team’s 2-0 loss to Manchester United.
Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford’s first-half penalties were enough to send the home team into victory cruise, but Erik ten Hag’s team faced stiff opposition from Branthwaite the entire game.
Throughout the game, he showed off his speed and skill at passing the ball both short and long, leaving onlookers drooling and demanding that their club sign him this summer.
On X, the former Twitter, a fan commented, “Very impressed with Jarrad Branthwaite today, I have been all season.”
Physical specimen possessing excellent technical proficiency. calm with the ball, courageous in the box and in a high line of defence.
“Comfortable with both feet, but leaning left. I hope to see him around Old Trafford more.
It’s no secret that Branthwaite has supporters at Old Trafford, since the INEOS group and Sir Jim Ratcliffe are working to transform football operations at the team.
The team is in severe need of defensive reinforcements during the forthcoming transfer window, and Branthwaite appears to be the perfect fit.
Physically commanding, powerful, agile on the ground, and self-assured when the ball is at his feet, he seems like he could fit right in at Manchester United.
“Branthwaite should be nailed on in the summer if a deal can be structured properly, what a player,” a another supporter commented.
“Build up your aerial presence, strengthen your defensive line, and produce a superior duel winner in big areas and box defence. Don’t undervalue his possessive abilities either.
“Avoid dropping it to the penalty spot at the first sign of trouble; instead, maintain that high line. I’m so sick of that.”
With Victor Lindelof and Harry Maguire out of contract and Raphael Varane and Jonny Evans having unfinished business, the central defence unit is expected to undergo some changes this summer.
If all four of those players leave, Erik ten Hag, or his replacement, will only have Lisandro Martinez, an experienced centre defender, but Martinez struggles to remain healthy.United’s defensive woes might be solved with a deal for Branthwaite.
Dyche asserts there is no pressure to offload Everton players.
Even though Everton manager Sean Dyche stated on Friday that the team is not under any pressure to sell their rising star, the struggling Toffees may find it difficult to turn down a sizable offer.
Dyche declared, “We don’t want to sell any good players.” That’s all there is to it, and he’s shown himself to be an excellent player. Selling players is not our line of business.
“Players are only sold when necessary or when an issue arises. Since there isn’t a problem, my only wish is that we won’t have to sell players. We certainly don’t right now, so we’ll see.
Hard-up Everton’s hardships revealed
Everton is awaiting the outcome of additional charges after they were already penalised for violating the profit and sustainability regulations, which resulted in an initial deduction of 10 points that was later lowered to six on appeal.
It appears difficult for them to hang onto their biggest players, headlined by Branthwaite, if they are demoted to the Championship.
Even if Everton wins the league, they may consider selling some of their more valuable players, such as Amadou Onana, a player who is reportedly a target for United.
In recent months, Branthwaite has drawn the admiring attention of Real Madrid and Tottenham, with the goal of earning a spot in Gareth Southgate’s senior England side for the 2024 Summer Olympics.
Bargain Branthwaite
For a reported sum of approximately £1 million, he was signed from Carlisle in January 2020. His original club is expected to get 10% of the earnings from his next sale.
The defender, who received high marks when on loan at PSV in the Eredivisie during the 2022–2023 season, finally settled into Dyche’s defence last August.
His contract was renewed in October after he made a breakthrough into the first squad, and it is currently valid until June 2027.
In this form, United will have him. Supporters have praised his performance on social media for an otherwise subpar Everton team.
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