Branthwaite focused on Everton amid Man Utd rumours

Everton and England defender Jarrad Branthwaite is raring to go in the new Premier League season.

Branthwaite enjoyed a breakthrough campaign for the Toffees under Sean Dyche last term, with the Merseysiders boasting one of the best defensive records in the division.

The 22-year-old was snubbed for a spot in England’s Euro 2024 squad but has been linked with a move to Manchester United, such has been his impressive form.

However, the in-demand centre-back has his mind firmly focused on the 2024-25 campaign, despite the transfer links.

Speaking to Everton’s club website, he said: “I think for me it’s just about taking what I learned from last season, and the season before, and putting it all together.

“I think last season, playing all the games I did helped me put performances in and get the experience I needed. I’m going to take that into this season and keep learning.

“When you’ve got a good defensive record, it gives you confidence going into the new season. It’s not just the defenders who contribute to that, it’s the whole team and it’s the way the manager has us set up to give us the best possible chance to win games, and to pick up as many points as we can.

“Last season, playing all the games I did helped me put performances in and get the experience I needed. I’m going to take that into this season and keep learning.”

Catching up with @Jarradbranthwa1 to talk pre-season, #EFC and @England. 🎥 pic.twitter.com/kwWGdAq7TN

— Everton (@Everton) July 18, 2024

“I think it’ll be the same again this season. Hopefully, we can pick up a few wins early on and get the momentum going in the new season.”

Everton had a disrupted 2023-24 campaign and were hit with points deductions for breaching the Premier League’s profit and sustainability regulations.

But with Amadou Onana set to move to Aston Villa for a deal worth around £50million, there should be no such risk this term.

Branthwaite is still early into his career and is relishing the opportunity to get experience under his belt at Everton.

He added: “I think for any young person, any young player, it’s about playing as many games as you can and that gives you the experience you need.

“You can only get experience in games and taking that into each game that I’ve done last season. It helped me massively to put in the performances which I did.

“I think you’ve got to be confident in your ability, but it’s the best league in the world. It’s got the best players and it’s obviously the most difficult league in the world, so you know the expectations you’re going to have.

“You’re going to have bad days, and we had a couple of them last season, but it’s about how you react to them, and I think that’s something I’ve learned. The more games I’ve played, it’s not to get too low and just to keep a positive mindset and going to the next game, knowing how good you can be.

“As a young player to have experience around you, all the games [Seamus Coleman, Pickford and Tarkowski] have played collectively and alone, and to feed off their experience, it’s only good for a young player. To have that last season definitely helped me massively and it’s helped me progress.”

Manchester United saw two bids rejected for Branthwaite but the Red Devils may still return for the Englishman.

However, until they meet their valuation – which is said to be around £70m – Branthwaite will stay put and is preparing to get going in pre-season with the Toffees ahead of the new campaign.