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Manchester United have not given up on signing Jarrad Branthwaite. Almost two years after having multiple bids rejected for the Everton defender, the interest remains strong.
According to journalist Ben Jacobs, United met with Branthwaite’s camp in February, and the player’s side reiterated that his interest in a move to Old Trafford hasn’t gone away.
But from Everton’s perspective, there is little concern. The 23-year-old is under contract until 2030, and his focus is firmly on helping the Toffees secure European football.
Everton ‘calm’ as Jarrad Branthwaite commited to Everton
Jacobs provided the details of the February meeting while speaking to The United Stand. “There was a meeting with the Branthwaite camp in February, I’m told and it was reiterated on the players’ side that his interest in Manchester United hasn’t gone away,” he said.
However, the journalist added that Everton feel calm about the situation. “Everton feel calm about the situation and Branthwaite has been focusing on himself and recovery, so any exit hasn’t really been a topic of conversation.”
Branthwaite has been sidelined for much of this season after undergoing hamstring surgery in October. He has made only eight appearances so far, but his commitment to Everton has never been in question.
Jarrad Branthwaite recently spoke about his ambitions for the remainder of the campaign. “We as a collective have made no secret that our goal this season is to get back into a European competition. It’s an ambitious one after some tough years but we all believe we have the quality to do so and the target is still there for us as we approach the final part of the season.”
A new chapter at Everton for Jarrad Branthwaite
Branthwaite also reflected on the positive direction of the club under The Friedkin Group and David Moyes. “It felt like the beginning of a new chapter heading into this season: a new home, our new owners, the manager beginning his first full season since returning,” he said.
“We want to keep making progress and, ultimately, deliver success. I’ve been here for six years and I’ve seen a lot in that time but it all feels genuinely positive right now. Long may it continue.”
Manchester United’s interest is not new. They tried to sign Branthwaite in 2024 but were put off by Everton’s valuation. The club have since tied the defender down to a long-term contract, and with Harry Maguire expected to sign a new deal at Old Trafford, United can afford to take their time.
Jacobs explained the logic: “The advantage of Harry Maguire staying is they can take their time. Part of the logic in Maguire staying is that Man United want to be more like Liverpool in the sense of finding that replacement before the actual replacement goes.”
Branthwaite has objectives, like any young footballer, to play in the biggest competitions. European football is a possibility with Everton, who sit eighth with seven games remaining. For now, his focus is on helping the Toffees achieve that goal. Any talk of a summer exit remains just that, talk.
Everton are calm, and Jarrad Branthwaite is committed. That is all that matters
While the meeting between Jarrad Branthwaite’s camp and Manchester United in February has naturally stoked the fires of the rumor mill, Everton find themselves in a position of unprecedented strength.
Unlike previous windows where financial pressure might have dictated a sale, the Toffees are now operating from a place of stability. Branthwaite’s decision to sign a long-term extension through 2030 earlier this season serves as the ultimate insurance policy for the club.
With the 23-year-old now back to full fitness and eyeing a spot in Thomas Tuchel’s England squad for the 2026 World Cup, his focus remains firmly on the blue half of Merseyside.
For now, Manchester United’s “advanced talks” appear to be little more than background noise to a club and player fully committed to their shared journey.
