Player with ‘huge potential’ makes decision to seemingly rule out Manchester United swoop

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Jarrad Branthwaite has signed a new long-term contract with Everton while seemingly putting an end to the hopes of Manchester United.

While Antonio Silva, Goncalo Inacio, Edmond Tapsoba and Jean-Clair Todibo remain possibilities for a Manchester United side already putting plans in place for the arrival of a new centre-half in 2024 – per Fabrizio Romano – Jarrad Branthwaite committing his future to life at Goodison Park is certainly an early blow to Erik ten Hag’s preparations.

One of the breakthrough stars of the new campaign, Branthwaite has been a shining light in another season of darkness at Everton. Excellent in the air but composed on the ground, Branthwaite’s maturity, confidence and ball-playing ability has caught the eye of a United side who scouted him during a loan spell under Ruud van Nistelrooy at PSV Eindhoven last term.

But, putting pen to paper on a new four-year deal, United’s centre-back shortlist may have just become that little bit, well, shorter.

Jarrad Branthwaite scuppers Man United plans

“The stature of the Club, how much of a family it is at Everton and how I just love playing here in front of the fans were key reasons for me signing,” Branthwaite tells The Toffees’ website.

“To sign this new contract was to show the commitment I have for the Club and show how much it means to me to play for Everton.”

Branthwaite, who earned comparisons with Declan Rice and Michael Carrick while impressing as a teenager at Carlisle United, has started all of Everton’s last five Premier League games.

“Jarrad is an excellent player with huge potential,” beams Goodison Park director Kevin Thelwell. “And his new contract is richly deserved after the way he has played for us so far this season. It is a great boost for Everton to have a young player with Jarrad’s talent commit his long-term future to the Club.

“His performances so far this season have impressed everyone and given a glimpse of his exciting potential. We look forward to him getting even better in the years ahead in the royal blue of Everton.”

‘Huge potential’

United’s pursuit of a young, up-and-coming centre-half is likely to coincide with Harry Maguire’s belated exit during the summer of 2024. Jonny Evans, Victor Lindelof and the ageing, injury-prone Raphael Varane are also facing uncertain futures beyond the current campaign.