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Manchester United on red alert after seeing what Sean Dyche has done in the last two Everton games

Billy Meyers

Thu 7 November 2024 16:15, UK

Manchester United have been keeping a close eye on developments at Everton.

The Red Devils perhaps did not expect to be within just three points of the Toffees after ten games of the 2024/25 Premier League campaign – a dreadful start which cost Erik ten Hag his job at Old Trafford.

Position	Team	Played MP	Won W	Drawn D	Lost L	For GF	Against GA	Diff GD	Points Pts
13	Man UtdManchester United	10	3	3	4	9	12	-3	12

Position	Team	Played MP	Won W	Drawn D	Lost L	For GF	Against GA	Diff GD	Points Pts
16	EvertonEverton	10	2	3	5	10	17	-7	9

Goalscoring has been an issue for Manchester United, netting just nine in ten league outings this term – only Southampton and Crystal Palace have scored fewer with seven and eight strikes respectively.

In the January transfer window – however – Manchester United could decide to make a defensive reinforcement first.

Manchester United alert to Jarrad Branthwaite situation at Everton

A story from the now states that Manchester United are closely monitoring Jarrad Branthwaite – ahead of making a fresh swoop for the central defender in January.

Manchester United wanted to sign Branthwaite during the summer transfer window, but Sami Mokbel explains that INEOS did not want to meet Everton’s £70m asking price and signed Leny Yoro from Lille for £52m instead.

However, the Red Devils have taken interest in the fact Sean Dyche has left the England international out of his starting XI in Everton’s last two Premier League games, despite his return to full fitness.

The Daily Mail add that Everton cannot afford to offer Branthwaite a new contract right now, and with the 22-year-old’s current deal expiring in 2027, the Toffees may be tempted to cash in this winter.

INEOS could hand Leny Yoro an ideal partner and provide left-back solution

If Manchester United can secure Branthwaite’s signature in January, it could provide Ruben Amorim with a superbly balanced defensive duo for the foreseeable future, given the fact Everton’s No.32 is left footed and only 22 years of age.

Yoro is 18 and right footed, meaning INEOS could hand the Portuguese tactician a complete centre-back partnership for his entire tenure, while the potential transfer may also enable Amorim to use Lisandro Martinez at left-back, where he shone on many an occasion for Ajax.

The left-back department has been a huge issue for Manchester United this season, with Diogo Dalot and Noussair Mazraoui, both traditional right-backs, being used in that area amid Luke Shaw’s injury problems.

However, a backline of Martinez, Branthwaite, Yoro and Dalot is very strong – on paper at least – and may provide Amorim with the foundation to build something special at Old Trafford.