Everton will create hostile atmosphere ahead of Man Utd clash | Football Digest
Former Manchester United striker Ruud van Nistelrooy has reportedly encouraged the Red Devils to sign Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite in January. Erik ten Hag’s outfit could be on the lookout for reinforcements at centre-back and the England Under-21 international has impressed with the Toffees this season.
Uncertainty surrounding Raphael Varane’s position at Old Trafford has seen him linked with a move away from the club, with Harry Maguire and Jonny Evans favoured over the former Real Madrid star in recent weeks. Branthwaite has been mentioned as a potential replacement for the Frenchman, after breaking into the Everton team following a successful loan at PSV last season.
He worked under Van Nistelrooy in the Eredivisie and TEAMTalk have claimed that figures within United have contacted the ex-PSV boss over Branthwaite. He spoke about the 21-year-old glowingly and seemingly has the seal of approval from one Red Devils icon.
Van Nistelrooy has already spoken openly about Branthwaite’s potential. “He is a great talent,” the former striker said. “The boy is young, but he has a future. He is good on the ball, can play on the left or the right of centre-back because he is two-footed. He has height and speed, so he is very complete.”
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United are said to be willing to part ways with Jadon Sancho and Donny van de Beek in January in order to help raise funds to sign Branthwaite. He penned a new Everton contract last month to tie him down until 2027, though whether the club’s 10-point deduction impacts their need for sales remains to be seen.
Ten Hag and co will likely face intense competition for Branthwaite’s signature should he be available in January. According to the Daily Mail, Tottenham have also identified him as an option to help fix their crisis at the back following Micky van de Ven’s long-term injury and Eric Dier’s future unknown.
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United are in the market for a defender after Varane was displaced by Maguire and Evans. Lisandro Martinez is out until the New Year after a recurrence of his ankle injury that kept him out for the second half of last season and it is unlikely that he will be rushed back once he finishes his rehabilitation.
Martinez is the only United centre-back under the age of 29 as the position could certainly do with refreshing under Sir Jim Ratcliffe.
The INEOS chief is expected to announce his purchase of 25 per cent of the club for approximately £1.3billion soon, with the January transfer window one of his first tasks – potentially with one eye on bringing Branthwaite in from Everton.
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