Under the new ownership of INEOS and Sir Jim Ratcliffe, Manchester United will be keen to improve in the summer. They could think about making a big move for Jarrad Branthwaite of Everton to do this. The 21-year-old centre back has garnered numerous accolades for his performances and shone out in the Toffees’ Premier League relegation strugglе.

Why Jarrad Branthwaite Should Be the Target of Manchester United’s Major Move

An England U-21 star has been crucial to Everton’s figҺt to avoid relegation.

The centre back, who was born in Carlisle, has surprised Sean Dyche’s team this season at the age of just 21. He has helped the team rise above the acrimonious relegation race. As of 25 league games, their defensive record stands out, having only allowed 33 goals.

The only teams with less conceded goals are Liverpool, Arsenal, Manchester City, and Aston Villa; these four teams are currently ranked in the league table and have the potential to qualify for the Champions League. In the Premier League, Everton is presently ranked 17th.

Their standing in the standings does not fully reflect their performance, as the club received a ten-point reduction for acknowledging that they had violated the profit and sustainability regulations of the Premier League. Everton has called the punishment “unjust” and “disproportionate,” and they are awaiting the outcome of an appeal against it.

Following his return from a fruitful loan stint at PSV Eindhoven in the Eredivisie, where he was coached by former Manchester United player Ruud van Nistelrooy, the England U21 international has been a mainstay for Dyche’s team. In the 2023–24 season, he has so far made 22 appearances in the Premier League. He has continuously impressed me with his poise and skill both on and off the ball in recent games.

The Reasons Jarrad Branthwaite Is Different from the Competition

At six feet five, he has a noticeable aerial presence both from set pieces and in his own box. He doesn’t appear to be lacking pace despite his bulk, and he seems at ease handling the ball.

Even though he only completes 79.9% of his passes, this is probably because Everton plays a direct style and employs transitional assaults against teams that have a lot of possession of the ball. He recorded an 87.2% pass completion rate when playing for PSV, and watching Branthwaite, who has great technique and decision-making, supports that statistic.

This is evident even in this direct method, as even when under pressure, the centre back can frequently initiate transitional assaults by selecting the ideal pass from defence.

In the majority of categories, he ranks among the best when it comes to solely defensive activities. In every ninety minutes, he averages 2.17 tackles, 1.7 interceptions, 1.2 blocks, an incredible 4.35 clearances, and 2.61 successful aerial challenges. These numbers would undoubtedly decline for a team with greater ball domination, but even so, he significantly impedes opposing attacks.

Manchester United’s defence might be rejuvenated for a decade by an Everton star.

Erik ten Hag must deal with Manchester United’s elderly central defensive, although some recent investments in younger players. Victor Lindelof is 29, Harry Maguire is 30, and Johnny Evans, who is 36, has shown to be remarkably useful. World Cup winner Raphael Varane, who signed for £42 million in the summer of 2022, is likewise thirty years old and has struggled with fitness.

Although Lisandro Martinez, who is younger, has been outstanding since joining the team and plays on the left side of central defence, a position that Branthwaite also favours, the Argentine has already experienced three serious ιnjury stints in his two seasons in England.

United will require another defender if they hope to contend in the league, European competitions, and both domestic cups. In addition to providing Martinez with relief, Branthwaite could also be learning from the seasoned veterans who are beside him.

Although Branthwaite is eager to compete for a starting position, filling in for his Argentine teammate would assist to lower expectations from supporters, which could aid in his growth. The English defender may be Manchester City’s red-side counterpart to John Stones, who struggled at first after joining from Everton but eventually became an essential part of the team’s multiple title runs and treble-winning squad.

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His arrival might mark the end of an era in which the team paid large transfer fees to players who were well into their prime, like Varane and Casemiro, given their young age. It would undoubtedly ensure that the team has plenty of coverage for Martinez and the ιnjury-prone Luke Shaw on the left side of the defence.

What Would Everton Be Willing to Pay for Jarrad Branthwaite?

Unfortunately, there’s a catch to such a perfect manoeuvre. The Daily Mail and Metro have reported that Everton would expect a nine-figure transfer price in exchange for the defender.

However, the club’s Bramley-Moore Dock stadium expansion has left them with severe financial uncertainty. Furthermore, there are concerns regarding the probability that 777 Partners, the potential owners, will be able to pass the Premier League’s fit and proper owners test. Because of this, the Merseyside club can find itself in Ԁire need of money come summertime.

If not, they need to think about a long-term plan to sign the young Englishman, who, given the right environment and guidance, has the potential to be a generational defender. In order to alleviate the financial strain of this decision, United may consider offloading Varane, Maguire, or Lindelof during the summer.

Jamie Carragher: “Branthwaite Has Been Excellent”; Expect an England call-up soon

The 21-year-old received high praise from Sky Sports pundit and former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher before to Everton’s 1-1 draw with Crystal Palace on Monday night:

“Jarrad Branthwaite has been excellent, and Murrilo (of Nottingham Forest) has also been excellent, in my opinion. However, I believe that this young man, Branthwaite, has been quite exceptional, and he’s a major reason why Everton still has a strong chance of winning.

The Times adds that the young player is hopeful that Gareth Southgate would be impressed enough by his performances to give him a call-up for the international matches in March. Although it might seem premature for him to be called up for Euro 2024, the England manager has not made it apparent who his choice backup centre defender is.

The four players that aim to challenge Southgate’s team’s mainstay duo of John Stones and Harry Maguire are Marc Guehi, Lewis Dunk, Levi Colwill, and Fikayo Tomori. Neither of those choices has evidently taken over the primary backup position as of yet. Maybe there are opportunities for the rising Merseyside talent.

There appears to be a window of opportunity for Jarrad Branthwaite, who has a number of admirers among the European elite. According to reports, the defender is being considered by Real Madrid, Manchester United, Manchester City, and Tottenham.