Is Jarrad Branthwaite the Key to the Red Devil’s Revival?
Manchester United's summer transfer activities have kicked off with the significant news that the club has agreed to personal terms with center-back Jarrad Branthwaite and has now made an opening bid of £35 million to Everton for his signing. Everton's valuation of Branthwaite at £70 million has raised eyebrows from fans on whether this signing will be worth it. Much more negotiations between the clubs will still need to happen to iron out a deal, but it is clear that both United and Branthwaite are eager to get this deal done. Manchester United and manager Erik Ten Hag need to revamp this squad after finishing eighth, marking their lowest-ever finish to a season in the club’s storied history, and have chosen Jarrad Branthwaite as the first name to do so. This development also marks the beginning of a new era under the INEOS management group, signaling their intent to sure up the backline with a strategic and potentially transformative addition to the squad.
Negotiations will need to pick up soon especially considering Everton’s current financial troubles. This substantial £70 million fee reflects both Branthwaite's potential and Everton's need to secure significant funds to stay out of more trouble with financial fiar play rules. The club was docked 10 points early last season in November for breaking profit and sustainability rules in a three-year period up to the 2021-22 season. This punishment was the biggest in Premier League history and Everton will be needing to conjure up significant funds to avoid more trouble. With the Toffees in a precarious financial position, they might be compelled to accept a deal structured with more upfront money risking potential future add-ons. The Manchester United negotiating team will need to leverage Everton's financial constraints to bring down the overall price while ensuring the deal remains attractive enough for Everton to agree.
Branthwaite’s profile is tantalizing to the top clubs in England due to his blend of physicality, technical skills, and versatility. At just 21, he stands at six feet four inches, while possessing the recovery pace needed for a high defensive line and the strength for physical duels. However, along with this, Erik Ten Hag and the INEOS group have identified Branthwaite as a priority signing due to his suitability for Ten Hag's tactical system that emphasizes aggressive, one-on-one defending. Branthwaite is seen as a modern-day center-back who excels in those situations, both on the ground and in the air. Branthwaite won 72.6% of his one-on-one duels, a figure that places him in the upper echelons of defenders in his age group and highlights his defensive skills that offer defensive stability and aerial prowess against teams that target United's flanks with crosses. Moreover, despite the majority of his experience being as a left center-back, Branthwaite's ability to play as a right-sided center-back as shown at PSV, despite being left-footed, provides Ten Hag with options to rotate his defense based on squad fitness and tactical requirements.
Skeptics have compared Branthwaite to Harry Maguire, suggesting he might be another tall over priced defender who struggles to play out the back. However, Branthwaite's style of play and tactical adaptability set him apart. Unlike Maguire, who has been criticized for his lack of pace and mobility, Branthwaite's stride length and athleticism enable him to cover ground effectively and recover in challenging defensive situations. To succeed at Manchester United, Branthwaite will need to demonstrate his ability to handle the pressure of playing for one of the world's biggest clubs. He must maintain his defensive solidity while also contributing to United's build-up play from the back. His underrated passing ability and composure on the ball will be essential in this regard.
Jarrad Branthwaite's potential move to Manchester United represents a strategic investment in the club’s future. His defensive capabilities, tactical versatility, and fit within Ten Hag's system make him a valuable asset. While the potential price tag is steep, the potential benefits could make this a pivotal signing for the Red Devils as they aim to return to the pinnacle of English and European football. The coming weeks will be crucial as United negotiates with Everton to finalize a deal that satisfies all parties involved.
