Jarrad Branthwaite 'high on Man United's list' amid scouts reveal

Manchester United could reignite their interest in Everton star Jarrad Branthwaite as they eye major defensive signings.

The 24-year-old has long been linked with a move to Man United and is highly regarded by the Old Trafford recruitment team after impressing in recent years for Everton.

A string of injury issues ultimately deterred any interested clubs from making a move after last season, but he has since returned and impressed under David Moyes.

Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that the Red Devils are now watching Branthwaite closely ahead of a potential move to sign him in 2027.

While a January move is said to be unlikely, with Everton reluctant to sell a key player and United still weighing up their options, they could be tempted to move next summer.

Branthwaite is seen as the ideal addition to Michael Carrick's back line which has already been highlighted as a concern just four games into the new Premier League season.

Could Man United make a move for Jarrad Branthwaite?

Brown told Football Insider back in April that Man United had cooled their interest in Branthwaite ahead of the summer window as a result of his injury issues.

The centre-back missed 31 games across all competitions in the 2025-26 season, with multiple hamstring injuries sparking concerns about his long-term fitness.

However, Man United are now set to keep track of his performances this season, and if he can prove his fitness and quality then a move could be on the cards.

"Man United have got to address their defensive issues sooner rather than later," Brown told Football Insider.

"When I look at that Everton back four, for example, there are such clear differences in the desire and willingness to defend compared to what I see from Man United.

"Tarkowski is excellent every week, and Branthwaite alongside him always impresses, and hopefully he can stay fit for the full season.

"In terms of Man United's defence, they're going to be looking at new targets for next year, and Branthwaite is somebody who has been high on their list for a long time.

"Obviously he had those injury issues which were definitely a concern, but he's returned to the Everton side and they will be hoping to keep him there.

"Man United are going to have scouts watching Branthwaite closely this season, becuse if he can get back to the sort of form he's shown before, he will certainly be an option.

"It's not something I would expect to see in January, they will want to track him over the course of a full season, but it's a move I can see Man United making."

How do Everton feel about losing Branthwaite?

Despite the long-term interest from Man United, Everton have always been reluctant to lose Branthwaite, and have worked hard to keep him at the club in recent years.

Man United are not the only club who have been tracking the defender, with Real Madrid and Man City also among those linked in previous transfer windows.

As a result, Football Insider revealed last year that Everton had pulled off a huge coup by committing Branthwaite to a new long-term contract to extend his stay until 2030.

The new deal underlined Everton's commitment to his development and important role in the side, and served to deter any potential suitors.

However, Man United have continued to keep tabs on his situation and now believe there is a deal to be done despite Everton's clear reluctance to sell the defender.