Manchester United could move for Everton star Jarrad Branthwaite after fresh injury blow
Manchester United could now make their move for Everton centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite after Erik ten Hag confirmed another setback in Lisandro Martinez’s injury progress.
The Manchester United boss confirmed on 2 October that Martinez will now have to undergo surgery on his metatarsal injury, with Premier Injuries suggesting he will miss a number of months.
This update, as well as the club’s recent struggles on the pitch having lost six of their opening ten games this season, could push the club to make a move for their top defensive target, Branthwaite.
The central defender has impressed despite Everton’s poor start to the season, turning in consistently strong performances at the back and cementing himself into Sean Dyche’s side in place of Michael Keane, who began the season alongside James Tarkowski as their first choice.
He spent last season on loan with PSV, where he won the Dutch Cup with his club, providing a huge boost to both his own footballing experience and the level at which he plays his game.
United were linked to Branthwaite as recently as Tuesday [Daily Mail, 3 October], as they look to solve their defensive issues. Three goals conceded in their Champions League defeat to Galatasaray, as well as a defeat to Crystal Palace in the last week, could be what pushes the club to step up their interest.
A 21-year-old, left-footed central defender, with plenty of top-level and trophy-winning experience, would likely come at a premium, but he would be an ideal replacement both in the short and long term to United’s main men at the back.
This could be one to watch very shortly, as much as no one will want it to happen.
In other Everton news, an Everton Women star has made an assessment of their opening-day defeat.