Man United keen and ready to sign Everton’s £30m star this summer after successful Old Trafford display

Man United keen and ready to sign Everton’s £30m star this summer after successful Old Trafford display

Manchester United transfer target Jarrad Branthwaite delivered a fine performance during Everton’s 2-0 Premier League defeat at Old Trafford on Saturday.

Branthwaite started in the left centre-back role for the Toffees against Man United. The 21-year-old won five of his six duels and made two tackles.

He made a crunching challenge on Kobbie Mainoo to deny him a clear goalscoring opportunity. The offside flag went up during the move, but Branthwaite did his job.

He did make an error at the death, fouling Marcus Rashford inside the box, but the offside flag saved him.

Branthwaite spent the 2022/23 campaign on loan at PSV Eindhoven and has excelled with Everton this season.

It is no secret that Man United want to bolster their defence in the upcoming summer transfer window.

The Red Devils are reportedly leading the race to sign the Everton youngster but face stiff competition from Real Madrid.

Injury troubles have exposed United’s defence this season. Lisandro Martinez has featured just ten times due to a long-term injury.

Harry Maguire, Raphael Varane, Jonny Evans and Victor Lindelof have also spent time on the sidelines. All four players face an uncertain future.

Signing Branthwaite would add much-needed depth to United’s defensive options. New co-owners INEOS will be eager to make some statement signings, and Branthwaite could be one of them.

However, they must be wary of Everton’s asking price. Transfermarkt.com values Branthwaite at €25 million, but Everton could demand a premium price to sanction a move.

United have been guilty of spending heavily on their prime targets in the last few transfer windows. INEOS must break this trend and get recruitment back on track.