In a recent report, journalist Ben Jacobs mentioned that Manchester United have held talks to sign Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite. It has been claimed that the Red Devils have held discussions in February to land the English centre-back this summer.
Branthwaite’s Recent Form In English Football
Branthwaite has caught the eye at times with his performances at the heart of the Everton backline after missing a lot of games due to a hamstring injury. The 23-year-old has made eight appearances for the Toffees this season, scoring one goal and securing one assist in all competitions.
When fit, the English talent is among the most talented centre-backs in the Premier League. Thus, Man United would do well to snap him up in the upcoming transfer window.
His current contract at the Hill Dickinson Stadium will expire in the summer of 2030, which could make it tough for the Red Devils to land him on a cut-price deal later this year.
Will Branthwaite Be A Good Fit For Manchester United Boss Michael Carrick?
Branthwaite is a good tackler of the ball and can time his challenges well to secure possession back for his team inside his half. He doesn’t mind putting his foot through the ball when needed and is a tidy passer as well.
Standing at 1.95m, the English sensation can use his strong frame to dominate the opposition attackers in the air. However, there are some concerns over whether he can stay injury-free and prove his worth at the highest level.
Stilt, the pros outweigh the cons of recruiting a defender of his skill set. Branthwaite is primarily a centre-back but can also play as a left-back if needed. We can expect him to bring more bite and steel to Man United boss Michael Carrick’s defence. He is good enough to fight for a regular first-team spot at Old Trafford next season.
At 23, Branthwaite has his peak years ahead of him, which makes him a decent fit for Man United’s needs in the long run. He will also help the Mancunian club compete across all competitions in the coming years. Hence, Carrick should focus on going all out to lure Branthwaite to the Theatre of Dreams in the summer transfer window.
