Jarrad Branthwaite shares candid thoughts ahead of his opportunity to impress Rúben Amorim at Manchester United.

Jarrad Branthwaite has openly acknowledged his current challenges as he prepares for a key opportunity to impress Rúben Amorim and Manchester United on Sunday.

Amorim, 39, is steadily shaping Manchester United in his image, with players adapting to his 3-4-3 system after weeks of training. While evaluating his squad’s strengths and weaknesses, Amorim is also involved in long-term planning. However, the club’s tight January budget has shifted the focus to summer recruitment, led by sporting director Dan Ashworth and director of recruitment Christopher Vivell.

Branthwaite has emerged as a potential target for United. Reports suggest Ashworth views the Everton defender as a perfect fit for Amorim’s playing style. With Jonny Evans and Victor Lindelöf nearing the end of their contracts and Harry Maguire’s future uncertain, United are keen to add a centre-back next summer.

The 22-year-old Branthwaite, who dreams of playing for a top Premier League club, was the subject of significant bids from United last summer, but Everton turned down offers of £45 million and £50 million. As Branthwaite appears unlikely to sign a new contract with Everton, his departure in 2025 seems inevitable, with several clubs likely to compete for his signature.

Sunday’s clash between United and Everton at Old Trafford will not only mark Amorim’s first Premier League game at home but also provide an opportunity for him to see Branthwaite in action.

In a TikTok interview with Everton, Branthwaite admitted that recovering from injuries has been challenging. Having suffered a groin injury that required surgery, he missed three months of the season and has only started three of Everton’s 12 Premier League games.

“It’s been frustrating not being out there with the team,” Branthwaite said. “I’m slowly getting back to the levels I was at last season, but it takes time after being out for so long to regain match fitness. I’m working on it every day in training, and when I get the chance in games, it’s about delivering the best performances I can and building on that each week.”

Everton value Branthwaite at around £75 million, but his price could drop next summer depending on their league status. Relegation to the Championship would likely weaken their bargaining position.