Jarrad Branthwaite makes honest admission ahead of Rúben Amorim Manchester United audition

Jarrad Branthwaite has made an honest admission about his abilities as he prepares for Sunday’s audition with Rúben Amorim and Manchester United.

Rúben Amorim is beginning to put his stamp on Manchester United, with the 39-year-old gaining a clearer picture of his squad.

After several weeks of training, the players are adjusting to Amorim’s 3-4-3 system while the coach continues to evaluate their strengths and weaknesses.

Read More: Rúben Amorim on alert as “complete striker” that Manchester United love available for January loan

United are also preparing their 2025 transfer plans, focusing on summer additions as the January budget remains tight.

Although Amorim has a major role in identifying areas for reinforcement, the recruitment process is being led by sporting director Dan Ashworth and director of recruitment Christopher Vivell.

Branthwaite’s audition

Previous reports have stated that Ashworth believes Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite is a “perfect” addition to Amorim’s style of football at United.

With Jonny Evans’ and Victor Lindelöf’s respective contracts expiring and Harry Maguire’s future currently unknown, United and Amorim want to sign sign a new centre-back this summer.

Branthwaite aspires to play at a top Premier League club in the future and accepted a contract from the Reds last summer. However, Everton rejected offers totalling £45 million and £50 million during that period.

With Branthwaite reportedly not likely to sign a new deal at Goodison Park, it’s expected that Branthwaite will depart the club in 2025, with no shortage of clubs lining up to court him in the coming months.

United and Everton play at Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon in what will be the new head coach’s first Premier League fixture at the home ground, and many view it as one of the first times Amorim will be able to see Branthwaite in action.

Branthwaite’s honest admission

However, speaking in a TikTok interview with his current club, the 22-year-old admitted that following his series of injuries, it will take him time to get back to his best.

Branthwaite has started just three of Everton’s 12 Premier League fixtures this campaign, having suffered a groin problem that has kept him out for three months. He missed August and September after surgery and a further three weeks in October to the same injury.

“It was frustrating to not be out there with the team. I’m slowly getting back to the levels that I was at last season, but I think it will take some time when you’ve been out for so long to get the match fitness and things.

“So I’m still working on that everyday in training. When I get the chances in games, it’s about putting in the best performances I can out there. Progressing that week on week.”

Everton are thought to value Branthwaite at around £75 million, although this will likely drop next summer as his contract expires in 2027.

Everton have less leverage to demand high fees compared to last season, and it’s thought that the defender’s valuation will depend on if the club remain in the league or be relegated to the Championship.

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