Why Man Utd are punished by Everton's 10-point penalty
Cameron Smith
- 17 Nov 2023 12:56 GMT
- 4 min read
Everton have received a 10-point deduction for breaching the Premier League’s profit and sustainability rules.
The Toffees have confirmed they will immediately appeal this decision, but as things stand, their tally of 14 Premier League points this season has been reduced to just four.
As a result, Sean Dyche’s side have dropped to 19th place in the table, only above Burnley on goal difference.
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In a club statement, the Goodison Park outfit said: “Everton Football Club is both shocked and disappointed by the ruling of the Premier League’s Commission. The Club believes that the Commission has imposed a wholly disproportionate and unjust sporting sanction.”
Club Statement. https://t.co/RpHdLJRurc pic.twitter.com/hyFfl9vWxO
— Everton (@Everton) November 17, 2023
Towards the end of the statement, they added: “The Club will also monitor with great interest the decisions made in any other cases concerning the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules.” Manchester City and Chelsea could both face points deductions for transfer activity too, although no verdict has been reached regarding either club.
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However, Everton’s points deduction means they could be set for a relegation dogfight this campaign. Dyche’s side looked as though they would be competing for mid-table honours after an impressive start to the 2023-24 season, but their aims may well have shifted to simply surviving after this news.
As a result, Everton are highly unlikely to sanction any January sales in order to ensure they maintain their Premier League status.
Therefore, Manchester United’s pursuit of Toffees centre-back Jarrad Brainthwaite looks as though it may have to wait until next summer at the earliest.
Man Utd’s plans ruined
With Everton facing a relegation battle, they will be unwilling to offload Branthwaite mid-season, disrupting Man Utd’s transfer plans.
The Red Devils had outlined Branthwaite as a key transfer target amid Lisandro Martinez’s injury struggles and Raphael Varane’s potential move to the Saudi Pro League.
The England U21 star has impressed this season, cementing his place in Everton’s starting XI alongside James Tarkowski at the heart of defence.
Newcastle United are also interested in signing Branthwaite, as exclusively reported by FootballTransfers, and the Magpies will be stung by this news as Eddie Howe was hoping to complete a deal in January, we understand.
Furthermore, Everton midfielder Amadou Onana is also likely to stay put at Goodison Park until the end of the campaign at least. The Belgium international has been linked with a move to Old Trafford too as Erik ten Hag seeks a long-term replacement for the ageing Casemiro.
Everton have been evidently affected by news of their 10-point deduction, but it has also hampered Man Utd, who were hoping to sign at least one of Dyche’s stars during the next transfer window.
