Ten Hag target gets glowing endorsement from Man Utd legend Van Nistelrooy

02 August 2023 , 21:05

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Jarrad Branthwaite has previously been linked with a move to Manchester United (Image: Getty Images)

Former Manchester United striker Ruud van Nistelrooy has sung the praises of Jarrad Branthwaite amid rumours linking the centre-back with a move to the Red Devils.

Branthwaite, 21, impressed on loan during Van Nistelrooy's time PSV last season, making 36 appearances across all competitions, scoring four times. The young defender also impressed against Arsenal in the Europa League as PSV secured a 2-0 home win over the Gunners last October.

According to the Daily Mail, United could consider a move for Branthwaite if they go out and sign another centre-back before the end of the transfer window. The England Under 21 international has returned to Everton following the end of his loan spell at PSV.

And ex-United forward Van Nistelrooy is a huge fan of Branthwaite and is expecting him to have a huge future in the game. He 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."

After excelling at the Dutch side, Branthwaite had been linked with moves to Liverpool and United among others. Speaking on his future back in March, he said: "I think when all of those clubs are interested and watching your games, it's gonna be one of them where you take notice.

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"But for me it's just about playing the games. The first half of the season, I wasn't playing as many as I wanted, but now I'm just fully focused on doing that and performing the best I can."

(Peter Lous/BSR Agency/Getty Images)

United have already made two signings this summer, with Mason Mount arriving from Chelsea and Andre Onana making the move to Old Trafford from Inter Milan. Rasmus Hojlund is set to arrive as United's third signing in a £72million move from Atalanta.

Hojlund landed at Manchester Airport on Tuesday afternoon ahead of undergoing a medical. The 20-year-old is expected to sign a five-year deal with an option of a further 12 months at Old Trafford, with the Red Devils set to pay Atalanta an initial £64million plus £8m in performance-based add-ons.

With Hojlund set to complete his move later this week, he could make his United debut in a friendly against Lens on Saturday and will be available for the start of the competitive season - just as Ten Hag wanted. The Red Devils face Wolves at Old Trafford in their opening Premier League encounter on August 14.

Kieran King