Man Utd odds-on to complete first signing under Sir Jim Ratcliffe in the wake of Crystal Palace humbling

Manchester United are odds-on to complete their first signing under Sir Jim Ratcliffe on the back of their dismal defeat against Crystal Palace.

On Monday night, United were thumped 4-0 by Palace at Selhurst Park as they lost ground in the race for European Football.

As a result, Erik ten Hag’s future has been plunged into doubt again, with Thomas Tuchel the current favourite to take over if the club decides to part ways with the Dutchman.

On the back of their disappointing night in the capital, United are now odds-on to complete their first signing since British billionaire and INEOS boss Ratcliffe became a minority owner in February.

As per Sky Bet, United are 4/5 favourites to sign Everton’s highly-rated defender Jarrad Branthwaite.

The 21-year-old has long been linked with a move to Old Trafford after impressing at the heart of Sean Dyche’s defence.

Last week, it was reported that United could even include Harry Maguire in their bid to lure Branthwaite to the club.

According to the Daily Star, the United defender is one of the players on the chopping block in the coming months and could be used to entice Everton into selling Branthwaite.

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Everton are eager to keep hold of the defender but could be forced into a sale given the financial difficulties at the club.

Branthwaite - who was recently called up to the senior England squad by Gareth Southgate - is valued at £70million by the Toffees, although United hope involving Maguire in the deal will lower the asking price. United believe the possible swap deal could knock up to £20m off the asking price.

After their defeat by Palace, Ten Hag said: “I will keep fighting. I prepared the team in the best way I could do. It was not good enough, I have to take responsibility for that but I will find energy and prepare them for Sunday's game.”