Moyes sends clear Man Utd transfer message after honest Amorim admission

Tom Weber

Updated: 22 Feb 2025 11:54 CST
4 min read

Ruben Amorim, David Moyes, Man Utd — © IMAGO

David Moyes has told Manchester United and Jarrad Branthwaite's other suitors that they will have to 'bring a bag of money' to sign him.

The Red Devils got a close look at their long-time target on Saturday as they travelled to Goodison Park to face Everton. The game itself quickly turned into a nightmare as the Toffees looked to be cruising and stormed into a 2-0 lead.

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Man Utd ultimately managed to claw their way back and salvaged a 2-2 draw. Nevertheless, it was another 'unforgivable' performance in the words of Rio Ferdinand and the Red Devils were lucky to come away with a point as Everton were controversially denied a late penalty.

Ahead of the match, Man Utd head coach Ruben Amorim was asked why Everton were experiencing a veritable 'new manager bounce' under David Moyes whereas his side continued to struggle.

The Portuguese frankly admitted that "Moyes is doing a better job than me" and it is hard to argue with this, especially as the Scot appears to be pushing all the right buttons and making all the right decisions.

Striker Beto, who scored against Man Utd, has been given a new lease on life by the 61-year-old, with Fabrizio Romano revealing that it was the manager who insisted on keeping him in January when others within the club were ready to sell him.

Branthwaite will be pricey

Jarrad Branthwaite, too, is taking steps in the right direction after a persistent groin problem. FootballCritic gave him a solid if unspectacular 6.5 rating against Man Utd.

The England international was famously pursued by the Red Devils last summer, but no move ultimately materialised as Man Utd sought to low-ball Everton with several offers way below value.

Despite the significant managerial upheaval at Old Trafford - Erik ten Hag was known to be a big fan of Branthwaite - Man Utd are said to remain keen on the 22-year-old ahead of the summer.

However, Moyes has made it clear to Man Utd and his other suitors that they will have to 'bring a bag of money' to have any chance of signing him.

"Jarrad has done really well," Moyes said. "There are moments when he can do better, there are times he still plays like a young centre-back but he has an awful lot going for him.

"He's already been involved in the England squad before I came, he played really well last week and has got a good mentor around him in Tarky [James Tarkowski]. Tarky has been around the league and seen a lot. He has been a good mentor in helping and improving him.

"I think the PSR [Profit and Sustainability Rules], I don't know all the stuff but we still have some work to do in the summer. I was aware of it when I came in but I'm hoping we're beginning to stop thinking about that now.

"We're beginning to think about moving forward, what we're going to do. I think we've got a bill to pay, hopefully, we pay that bill, then we're in the clear. So, Jarrad is a top player and if people want to buy Jarrad, I've said many times - bring a big bag of money."