David Moyes sends firm warning to potential Jarrad Branthwaite suitors, Man Utd face battle to sign highly-rated defender

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Manchester United were unsuccessful in their pursuit to sign Jarrad Branthwaite last summer.

Ineos made Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite one of their priority targets before adding two centre-backs to Erik ten Hag’s squad, including Matthijs de Ligt and Leny Yoro.

The Dutchman’s successor, Ruben Amorim, will be keen to add to his squad over the coming months as Manchester United look to kick on following a turbulent 2024/25 campaign.

Amorim welcomed two additions to United’s first-team squad in January when Patrick Dorgu joined from Leece along with former Arsenal academy graduate Ayden Heaven.

It remains to be seen how much money United will have to spend in the market, with Ineos likely depending on player sales to generate revenue for new additions.

There will be real pressure on United to do clever business in the market to ensure they don’t miss out on stars for the future.

David Moyes reminds Man Utd about Jarrad Branthwaite’s contract

After being heavily linked with a move to Old Trafford, Branthwaite is expected to seek a move to a bigger club than Everton at some point.

The England U21 international is understood to be keen to play European football, which is not something he’s likely to witness at Everton anytime soon. There’s also a possibility that United won’t have any European football next season unless they win the Europa League outright.

Reports this week suggested Everton chiefs are ready to cash in on Branthwaite this summer, but Moyes has reacted quickly to shut down those claims.

Moyes stressed it is Everton who hold the cards when it comes to Branthwaite’s future.

Speaking to journalists at his press conference on Friday morning, Moyes highlighted the fact Branthwaite could remain at the club for another three years due to his current contract.

“You have to remember Jarrad Branthwaite’s got a three year contract left,” Moyes said. “He’s got two years and a year extension option. So, if anything, Everton hold all the cards regarding that player.

“I wouldn’t think Jarrad will be one of the ones [leaving].”

The former United manager knows as much as anyone that every footballer has a price. It remains to be seen if the Toffees will be tempted with any offers for the highly-rated defender at the end of the season.

It strengthens Everton’s stance that Moyes has almost saved them from relegation.

What’s next for Branthwaite?

Jarrad Branthwaite is expected to start this weekend when Everton travel to high-flying Nottingham Forest in the Premier League.

The Toffees have some big fixtures coming up – against Man City and Chelsea – as Branthwaite gets the chance to prove himself against stronger opposition.

It’s already known that Ineos admire Branthwaite but they will have a battle on their hands to sign him from Everton this summer.

Branthwaite will be focused on finishing the season strongly but it could be a busy summer for the young defender.