Manchester United’s scouts may have been impressed by one of the club’s top midfield targets.
It is no secret that Manchester United’s priority over the next transfer windows will be to strengthen in midfield.
United fans feared that no midfield signings this summer left the squad a little unbalanced, and Bruno Fernandes’ move deeper has only added to the problem.
There is a possibility that Fernandes could leave next summer if there is another push from the Saudi Pro League, along with Casemiro’s expiring contract.
The club’s scouts will be working overtime to identify and back up their thoughts on potential replacements, with Adam Wharton among the targets.
Manchester United target Adam Wharton impresses
One of Manchester United’s long-term targets is Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton. The Red Devils were tracking him while he was at Blackburn, but fatefully did not make an offer.
Wharton signed for Crystal Palace and has gone on to become one of the Premier League’s top midfielders, and an England international regular.
United made checks on Wharton this past summer after enquiries for Carlos Baleba were rejected. It did not lead anywhere, but a future deal could be possible.
Wharton is currently getting his first taste of European football, playing in the Europa Conference League for Palace after their success last season.
He starred in their 2-0 away win against Dinamo Kiev, playing all 90 minutes as they extended their unbeaten run to 19 games in all competitions.
Wharton created four goalscoring chances, attempting one shot at goal, while making a valuable defensive contribution with a blocked shot.
It was the kind of controlled, progressive and creative performance Manchester United will need from a Bruno Fernandes replacement eventually, whenever it happens, whoever it is, and some may even argue it would be an upgrade.
Adam Wharton could leave next summer
Former assistant coach Rene Meulensteen said this week that not signing Adam Wharton was one of Manchester United’s biggest recent mistakes.
Wharton will be part of the England squad at the next World Cup, and he won’t come cheap for Manchester United, or any club showing an interest.
But there is hope. Journalist Ben Jacobs claims Wharton may have a ‘gentleman’s agreement’ to leave Palace next summer.
“My understanding with Wharton is there’s kind of a gentleman’s agreement in place allowing him to leave Crystal Palace next summer. So that’s clearly going to be one to watch,” he told The United Stand last week.
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