Man Utd transfer news: Erik ten Hag's dig as legend backs Jarrad Branthwaite deal
Erik ten Hag’s television appearance is continuing to dictate the Manchester United agenda - not least his analysis of Gareth Southgate ’s tactics during England’s concerning 1-0 win against Serbia in Gelsenkirchen on Sunday night.
But the speculation around whether United are pushing to sign centre back Jarrad Branthwaite remains a hot topic too.
Everton’s uncertain situation off the pitch might force them to part with one of their prized assets and it is clear that Branthwaite has a very high ceiling.
Here are the big headlines from Old Trafford over the past 24 hours as the wheels of the transfer window continue to turn slowly in the background during the European Championship.
Ten Hag’s Southgate dig
The Manchester United head coach aimed a dig at Gareth Southgate for his approach during England's 1-0 win over Serbia on Sunday - even if it largely mirrored that of the club under the Dutchman.
England got their Euro 2024 campaign under way with a 1-0 victory in Gelsenkirchen courtesy of Jude Bellingham's 13th-minute header.
Southgate's side dominated possession but failed to create many openings, with captain Harry Kane remarkably only touching the ball once in the opening 45 minutes. And Ten Hag was less than impressed with their display.
“It’s the vision of the manager [Southgate],” said Ten Hag on NOS. “England will take a 1-0 lead, then he [Southgate] decides to start gambling with making his team compact and relying on moments for the remaining minutes of the game.”
Get the full lowdown on Ten Hag's thoughts.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - MAY 11: Jarrad Branthwaite of Everton reacts during the Premier League match between Everton FC and Sheffield United at Goodison Park on May 11, 2024 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images)
United legend bigs up Branthwaite
Legendary striker Ruud van Nistelrooy has said he is a huge fan of transfer target Jarrad Branthwaite.
The former United star managed Branthwaite, 21, when the Everton defender was on loan at PSV Eindhoven during the 2022-23 season. Following his time in the Netherlands, Branthwaite has become one of the most exciting young defenders in the Premier League .
Last week it was reported that he had 'agreed terms' with United in what could be one of the most high-profile transfers of the summer but Everton have since rebuffed an offer from Old Trafford.
The defender's impressive season culminated in him earning a place in Gareth Southgate's initial 33-man squad for Euro 2024 , although he did not make the final 26 that went to Germany.
And Van Nistelrooy said: "He is a great talent. The boy is young, but he has a future. He is good on the ball, can play on the left or the right of centre-back because he is two-footed. He has height and speed, so he is very complete."
Read what else Van Nistelrooy had to say about English defender.
Benjamin Sesko
Sesko rejection understandable
Gary Neville said he "can see why" Benjamin Sesko turned down a Premier League move to remain at RB Leipzig.
Sesko has been courted by Manchester United and Arsenal , with United's reported interest dating back to his time playing in Austria. However, the 21-year-old is going nowhere this summer with Leipzig confirming he will remain with the club for another year at least after signing a new deal .
"[He's got] goals, youth and physically," Neville said on ITV . "I think we are moving back to having a big physical striker up front, the game seems to have flipped a little bit by having big defenders and big strikers.
"He is someone who has so much potential and you can see why Premier League clubs are interested. But I can also see why, what is being suggested, he is staying at Leipzig for another year.”
Neville's Sesko scouting report in full.
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