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How Manchester United left Everton shocked after bold £52m decision this summer

Manchester United surprised many during the summer – including Everton.

There was widespread expectation that Erik ten Hag would be sacked after the Dutchman guided the Red Devils to an eight place finish in the Premier League🐻 last season – only for INEOS to surprise everybody and keep him onboard after winning the FA Cup.

In the meantime, Manchester United also left Everton shocked with a transfer decision made in July…

Everton surprised after Manchester United signed Leny Yoro

A story from the now states that Everton were left taken aback after Manchester United signed Leny Yoro in a move from Lille during the summer.

The Red Devils saw a £43m bid and another offer of £50m rejected by the Toffees for Jarrad Branthwaite𝓡 – who was valued at a sum in between £70m and £80m by those at Goodison Park.

Photo by Eddie Keogh - The FA/The FA via Getty Images
Photo by Eddie Keogh – The FA/The FA via Getty Images

🍌Presumably, the expectation was that Manchester United would increase their bid closer to the £70m mark, but there was surprise at Everton after INEOS then decided to pursue Yoro instead.

ܫBranthwaite – who Tottenham were also keen to sign💝 – ended up remaining on Merseyside, although an exit could still materialise in 2025 with Everton in need of cash.

Jarrad Branthwaite was worth the extra money

🐎Firstly, we can understand why Manchester United opted for Yoro.

🦂The Frenchman is four years younger than Branthwaite at the age of 18, so he represents more of a long-term investment for the Red Devils.

Furthermore, Real Madrid also wanted Yoro🧸 – but for a smaller fee in 2025 – so you can see why Manchester United seized the chance to beat the Spanish giants to his signature.

ღHowever, paying an additional £10m to £15m for Branthwaite would have got Manchester United a proven Premier League defender, who is hardly old himself at the age of just 22.

Photo by Joe Prior/Visionhaus via Getty Images
Photo by Joe Prior/Visionhaus via Getty Images

ꦏThe Everton No.32 is also a homegrown option – each Premier League club needs at least eight of these players in their squad.

💙Only time will tell for sure whether Yoro was worth the money, but we, like Everton, are a bit surprised that Manchester United opted for the teenager over Branthwaite.