Manchester United fans were given a close look at Jarrad Branthwaite in the clash with Everton at the weekend.
Jarrad Branthwaite played at Old Trafford as a senior team player for the first time when Everton took on Manchester United at the weekend.
Branthwaite, 21, has been linked with a move to Manchester United, with The Mail reporting interest last month. But the links go back further.
United were first claimed to hold interest in the centre-backthree years ago. He got a chance to impress at the weekend.
Jarrad Branthwaite stands out v Manchester United
Jarrad Branthwaite had a tough task at the weekend trying to keep Manchester United at bay, with Alejandro Garnacho repeatedly stretch the Everton backline.
While United won the game 2-0, Everton did not concede a goal from open play, with Branthwaite’s dogged defending part of the reason why.
United scored both goals from penalties, neither of which were given away by Branthwaite, with James Tarkowski and Abdoulaye Doucoure the guilty parties.
Branthwaite won two tackles of two contested, made seven ball recoveries, two clearances, and won five duels out of six. He also did not give away a single foul.
The left-footed defender is one option United are thought to be looking at, with centre-back a key priority for the club this summer, amid injuries and ageing options.
He did his chances no harm at all with his performance in the game at the weekend, and Manchester United fans were impressed too.
Manchester United fans react to Jarrad Branthwaite performance
Jarrad Branthwaite’s performance for Everton in their 2-0 loss to Manchester United was a big talking point among fans watching the game.
One posted on X: “How many times have I heard “wonderful defending from Branthwaite” today? 10/10 audition so far.”
Another supporter wrote: “Great performance from Jarrad Branthwaite again today. Would be brilliant for Man Utd, particularly if we do lose Varane.”
A third fan raved: “Branthwaite nailed his United audition btw, should be a priority signing for us this summer, strong, tall, quick, two footed and Calm on The ball, what more could you want His profile is similar to The Van Dijk’s, Saliba’s and Van de Ven, real men.”
Another fan quipped: “Branthwaite looks a player eh? Under the right guidance at a top club he’ll surely be one of the best around given the huge potential he seems to have. Best not join United then.”
A further comment added: “United should not think twice about going all out for Branthwaite. Perfect audition at OT yesterday & been solid all season.”
And this was backed up, with another supporter in full agreement, adding: “Branthwaite passed his audition to become and United player. A must sign for us next season. Good on the ball, Fast, Aerial ability.”