Manchester United’s recruitment team will have been impressed by one Premier League star in Everton’s shock win over Nottingham Forest on Saturday.
David Moyes’ Everton pulled off a 1-0 win over Champions League hopefuls Nottingham Forest, with Abdoulaye Doucoure’s stoppage-time winner inflicting back-to-back losses on Forest.
Considering Forest’s incredible form this season, other Premier League sides may well sit up and take notice of how Everton pulled off the result.
One man in particular will draw attention, as he has been linked to a huge move and had his talents on full display once again at the City Ground.
Jarrad Branthwaite dominates Nottingham Forest
Manchester United have been linked to Jarrad Branthwaite and pursued him last summer to no avail. Saturday’s performance against Forest will do little to quiet their interest, as Branthwaite reached a new high.
He became the only player to contest nine or more aerial duels and win all of them in a Premier League game this campaign.
Considering that Branthwaite came up against Chris Wood, who has scored 18 goals in 30 appearances this season, as well as reported Manchester City target Morgan Gibbs-White, his defensive solidity was notable. CaughtOffside reported that United are prepared to offer around £50m for Branthwaite this summer as they look to strengthen their defensive unit.
At 22, Branthwaite is well-positioned to mentor the young but fairly inexperienced defenders like Leny Yoro or Ayden Heaven at United, and also has more time to develop than Harry Maguire or Matthijs de Ligt. He would be a strong signing for Ruben Amorim, but a deal would not be easy.
David Moyes speaks on Branthwaite exit rumours
Everton boss David Moyes reminded hopeful United fans that the defender still has plenty of time left on his Merseyside contract, and made it clear that prising him away would take some effort.
Moyes spoke post-match after the Toffees victory against Forest and said: “Good players will always be linked with moves away, especially good young players. But you have to remember Jarrad’s got a three-year contract left, he’s got two years and a year’s option so if anything Everton hold all the cards regarding that player.
“Apart from being a football manager, especially at certain clubs you have to sell on the journey to try and build as well. But I wouldn’t think that Jarrad (is) one of the players I would want to lose, that’s for sure.”
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