Lowball offer backfires? Man United’s tactics anger Everton in Branthwaite pursuit

Manchester United FC have a defensive revamp to look forward to in the summer transfer window, and the Red Devils have reportedly identified Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite as a potential target to bolster their defensive lineup and lead the club’s defensive line into a new era.

There is a dire need for a new central defender at Old Trafford, with Raphael Varane and Jonny Evans leaving the Manchester Reds this summer. Erik ten Hag needs a new partner for Harry Maguire at the back, and he could veto a move for one of the best defensive prospects in the Premier League. 

While Manchester United fans would be hoping for the club to seal a transfer for the England international, the officials in the cubicles of Carrington have already made a move that can falter their pursuit of Branthwaite. Former Everton chief Keith Wyness suggests that the Manchester Reds submitting a low opening has come across as disrespectful at Merseyside.

Transfer stalemate?

The Red Devils have submitted an initial offer of £35 million plus add-ons, which seems a mile off Everton’s £80 million valuation of their star man. Speaking on the new edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, the 66-year-old has berated United’s new owner, Sir Jim Ratcliffe, for handling negotiations “very badly,” as he said:

“There is a pretty fair consensus in football that Branthwaite is a young, very talented player. We’ve seen some of the transfers United themselves have done in recent years, so to put him at £70 million is certainly nothing ridiculous.

“United came in at £35 million with £8 million in add-ons. What they were thinking—and I’ve been involved in more than 200 completed football transfers—was that there is a desperation to sell. They’re hoping there is no other way for Everton to get around the PSR issues. 

“They’ve actually now managed to harden Everton’s resolve by coming in with such a low offer. They could have gotten to £50-55 million in a room with Everton; they didn’t have to go up to the full valuation. But all they’ve done is harden the resolve. In a negotiation like this, it’s not a smart way to handle it.

“You’ve got to put yourself in the other club’s shoes. You have to be realistic with them and respect them. I don’t know whether it’s Ratcliffe trying to avoid paying the Manchester United tax and make sure the club isn’t taken for mugs.

“There have been a lot of signs recently that Ratcliffe is handling things very badly. He’s someone who is not showing the skills I expected him to show. The way they’ve handled the Branthwaite deal doesn’t give me any encouragement.”

More Manchester United News-

• Manchester United earmark less glamorous alternative to Everton’s highly-priced Jarrad Branthwaite
• Surprise Italian club join Juventus in race for Manchester United outcast Mason Greenwood
• “That’s not fair”- Sir Jim Ratcliffe irked by Manchester United not being able to sign £40m ex-Barcelona player

This could become a problem if Everton chooses to leave the table; however, it seems like United are learning their lesson and trying to hardball any money they spend. It may come across as disrespectful, but this will force Everton to reconsider their expectations and negotiate more pragmatically.

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