Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton is a player that has been on the radar of a number of clubs in the Premier League, including Manchester United
Manchester United are prepared to play the waiting game as they chase Crystal Palace sensation Adam Wharton. A duo of United icons believe the 21-year-old possesses exceptional quality going forward.
Ruben Amorim was handed fresh attacking options during the summer transfer window as Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko made their way to Old Trafford. Fresh reports suggest it’s his midfield that will receive reinforcement next.
United reportedly maintain an extensive list of midfield targets they’re looking to bring in, with Palace star Wharton ranking highly in the club’s considerations. Though both Roy Keane and Rio Ferdinand acknowledge that one element of his play is transformative, any move is expected to be delayed until next summer.
Since Wharton’s arrival at Selhurst Park in January 2024 for £18.5million from Blackburn Rovers he has swiftly and effortlessly established himself as one of the Premier League’s most promising young midfield talents.
He’s typically deployed as a deep-lying playmaker, possessing defensive drive, sharp intelligence and an impressive passing range, qualities that have earned acclaim from United legends Keane and Ferdinand.
Wharton is already being considered for England selection and started their recent 2-0 triumph over Albania. It was during this match that Keane highlighted what he considers the youngster’s standout attribute.
“I do like Adam Wharton,” Keane remarked following the victory. “A lot of the modern midfielders, their first option seems to be, ‘Can I go sideways or backwards?’
“What I like about him, the first option he seems to look at it is, ‘Can I pass it forward?’ and that’s a big strength to have. This is where he can mature over the next year or two if he’s playing at the top level.
“Put demands onto people. Shout at players, go, ‘Give me the ball!’ That’s what I used to do, I used to fall out with people a lot. ‘Give me the ball!’ Put demands on your team-mates.
“He’s still new to it, so I’m not going to be too harsh on him. But as he matures and starts playing more games, put demands on your team-mates.”
Ferdinand shares similar enthusiasm for Wharton’s forward-thinking play, declaring on his Rio Ferdinand Presents YouTube channel: “I would sign another central midfielder this summer to play alongside Manuel Ugarte. That player needs to be able to take the ball and transfer it up the pitch. You know who I would go for? Adam Wharton.
“I would go get him. The reason I would take him is that he can get on the ball and transfer it up the pitch. Wharton has got a great range of passing. I think he would be a great addition to the United squad. He reminds me of Michael Carrick a bit.”
Nevertheless, whilst it might be appealing to pursue Wharton in January ESPN reports that United have a comprehensive strategy concerning midfield recruitment. They indicate that Wharton remains on the club’s shortlist but any approach will be delayed until next summer.
United are set to trim their wage bill by up to £1m per week as the contracts of players such as Casemiro, Harry Maguire and Jadon Sancho are due to expire in 2026. Marcus Rashford, another high earner, is also expected to be offloaded following his loan move to Barcelona.
The club plans to hold off during the January transfer window and then let these stars leave in the summer, which should free up some cash to chase their main targets. These are said to include Wharton, along with Brighton’s Carlos Baleba and Stuttgart’s Angelo Stiller.