- Jarrad Branthwaite insists his best football is still to come at Everton
- Reports of a meeting with Man Utd by the Branthwaite camp in February.
- Just eight appearances and 504 minutes of football in an injury-hit season.
Manchester United’s long‑standing interest in Jarrad Branthwaite appears to have cooled. The 23‑year‑old Everton defender has been in and out of David Moyes’ side this season, managing just eight appearances and 504 minutes of Premier League football due to injury issues. Those fitness concerns have given potential suitors pause.
According to former Manchester United coach Mick Brown, speaking to Football Insider, the Red Devils have backed away from a summer move, at least for now. For Everton, that means their prized centre‑back is likely to remain at Hill Dickinson Stadium for another season.
Brown: ‘I can’t see Branthwaite leaving Everton any time soon’
Brown explained why United have delayed their pursuit. “I can’t see Branthwaite leaving Everton any time soon,” he told Football Insider. “There’s been talk about him for a long time, but I remember saying before after he picked up his first injury, he still has a lot to prove.
“He was building a strong reputation for himself, but he’s got to prove he can stay fit, get back to the level he was at before, and convince everybody he’s capable of going on.
“Particularly teams like Man United, who I’m told have backed away a bit from their interest because he’s hardly played so far this season. They’ve been watching him for a while, but they’re not going to make a move when he’s hardly played, because you don’t know how he’ll be when he’s back fit.”
Brown added that Branthwaite’s focus must be on regaining his place at Everton. “His focus has to be on getting back into the Everton team for a sustained period and proving to everybody that he can still do a job.”
Everton hold firm while Manchester United look elsewhere
As per previous reports covered on ReadEverton, Everton would block offers for Branthwaite, with no plans to lose him in the immediate future. That stance now looks set to be tested less than anticipated. United, who held a meeting with Branthwaite’s camp in February, are prepared to delay their interest until he proves his fitness.
The England international, described as a ‘superstar’ by some pundits, spent the first half of the season on the treatment table after undergoing hamstring surgery in October. He has only recently returned to action. While Liverpool have also been linked with a controversial move for the defender, Everton would be unlikely to consider selling to their bitter rivals.
For now, the message is clear. Branthwaite remains an Everton player. United have not given up entirely but a summer exit looks improbable. The 23‑year‑old now has a clear task to stay fit and force his way back into Moyes’ starting XI.
If he does that, the interest will return. But for at least one more season, Everton fans can expect to see their homegrown defender in the royal blue of Everton.
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