Manchester United legend Ruud van Nistelrooy is a huge fan of Red Devils 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 'agree terms' with United in what could be one of the most high profile transfers of the summer. Everton have since rebuffed an offer from Old Trafford. The defender's impressive season culminated in him earning a place in Gareth Southgate's 33-man squad for Euro 2024, although did not make the final 26 that went to Germany.
Considering Van Nistelrooy's thoughts on the central defender, he would have been more than capable of starring for the Three Lions.
When asked about Branthwaite in a previous interview, 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."
Branthwaite's future could yet lay at Old Trafford, although Mirror Football understand Sean Dyche's side rate Branthwaite so highly that only an enormous offer would convince them to part with the youngster.
While United minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has previously blasted the club's history of shelling out huge fees on player, Branthwaite appears to fit Ineos' new approach. It's believed United are now looking to sign younger players who have excelled in the top divisions of English football.
Given Branthwaite's impressive displays in what was his first year of Premier League football, it appears he fits the mould. Branthwaite has also spoken highly of Van Nistelrooy and the time he spent with the Dutchman.
In an interview with the Times, Branthwaite said: "He was brilliant for me. At the midpoint in the season, I hadn’t played as much as I would have liked.
"I had a clause in my contract where I could have come back here [to Everton] and, having hardly played, I said I was not sure what I was going to do.
"He sat me down for half an hour and said I was going to play every game in the second half of the season. At the time, I was like, ‘You can say that, but how am I meant to believe you?’
"We were on a winter break, I was on holiday, and he kept ringing me every day, saying, ‘Trust me, you are going to play.’"
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