Manchester United Are Leading The Race For This Everton Defender: Good Fit For The Red Devils? | OneFootball

In a recent report, Defensa Central stated that Manchester United are leading the race for Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite this summer. It has been revealed that the Red Devils are in pole position to sign the English centre-back later this year.

Branthwaite has enjoyed a solid campaign at the Merseyside club after he put in a series of dominant displays at the heart of their backline. The 21-year-old has scored three goals in 41 matches for the Toffees this season on all fronts.

The English defensive ace has proven himself to be a consistent performer inside his half as he is averaging 1.9 tackles, 1.4 key passes and 4.5 clearances per game in the Premier League. He has even been tidy when distributing possession from the back based on his pass completion rate of 80.1% in league football (stats via whoscored).

Branthwaite is under contract at Goodison Park until the summer of 2027 which could make it tough for Man United to sign him on the cheap at the end of this campaign.

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – MAY 11: Jarrad Branthwaite of Everton applauds the fans during the Premier League match between Everton FC and Sheffield United at Goodison Park on May 11, 2024 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Lewis Storey/Getty Images)

Is Branthwaite A Good Fit For Manchester United?

Branthwaite is a tough-tackling defender who can read the danger well to earn the ball back for his team on the defensive third of the field. He doesn’t mind putting his foot through the ball when the opposition are on the front foot.

The English sensation excels at playing his way out from inside his half. Standing at 1.95m, he can use his strong frame to dominate the opposition attackers in the air. At the moment, Branthwaite is playing some of the best football of his young career.

We can expect him to bring more bite and steel to Man United‘s defence. He has what it takes to nail down a regular starting spot at Old Trafford next season. At 21, Branthwaite has the potential to be a world-class player in his position someday which makes him a great fit for the Mancunian club‘s needs in the long run. He already knows the Premier League well and won’t take much time to settle into life at the Theatre of Dreams. Thus, the Red Devils should focus on going all out to recruit him this summer.