Ruben Amorim makes his decision on whether Manchester United will sign Everton star Jarrad Branthwaite

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Everton have a big job on their hands to ensure their survival this season – and it’s important key players are kept this month.

David Moyes has replaced Sean Dyche, and fans are optimistic that the Scot’s return to the club will have the desired impact.

Everton have been awful this season, having taken just 17 points from 19 games. And the team has scored just 15 goals in the Premier League.

Moyes is tasked with making Everton more of a threat in the attacking areas, while not losing the defensive solidity that has been there for the most part this season.

As the new Everton manager gets his feet under the table, there’s plenty of talk about transfers.

The Friedkin Group are expected to back Moyes with a couple of new signings at least.

But it will be interesting to see what happens on the outgoings front – and there has been a suggestion today about Jarrad Branthwaite.

Man United eyeing alternative profiles to Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite

Branthwaite has enjoyed a good season at Everton despite the club’s struggles as a collective.

Alongside James Tarkowski, he has been relatively solid, and the two centre-backs plus Jordan Pickford have given Everton a fighting chance.

But Branthwaite is a player who’s long prompted transfer speculation, given his huge potential – and he has been on Manchester United’s radar for a while.

Indeed, in November it was reported Manchester United held talks over Branthwaite.

It was then suggested Ruben Amorim was asked about Branthwaite during his talks when taking over at Manchester United.

But a new claim has now been made about Branthwaite and Manchester United, and it’s good news for Moyes because seemingly, the Red Devils have now turned their attention away from him.

They’ve run an article about how Harry Maguire will eventually be replaced, and United are thought to prefer someone who is younger with potential, rather than pay mega money for someone a bit more established like Branthwaite.

• READ MORE: Everton could cash in on Jarrad Branthwaite for £31m Premier League star who’s beating him in three key areas

Branthwaite will be key for Moyes

So it looks like Branthwaite will not sign for Manchester United this month.

While there could yet be mentions of other clubs coming in for him – Pat Nevin reckons Chelsea might go for Branthwaite – one would imagine Moyes will be adamant that he stays.

That trio of Pickford, Tarkowski and Branthwaite is so important to this team and without them, Everton would surely be deep in the relegation now.

It might be that he goes in the summer, and certainly, if Everton go down he could be one of the first players to leave.

But for right now, it seems fairly likely that Branthwaite will stay and that’s huge for Moyes.

After all, Jamie Carragher did previously call Branthwaite ‘outstanding’, and outstanding players cannot be let go ahead of a potential relegation battle.