Manchester United legend Roy Keane has singled out Crystal Palace star Adam Wharton after the England midfielder’s latest display against Albania on Sunday.
Adam Wharton has been linked with Manchester United and Crystal Palace’s resolve could be tested next summer amid the Red Devils’ pursuit of a new midfielder.
Ruben Amorim was unable to secure a new midfield option in the summer, despite Ineos splashing out on the arrival of five new signings for the Red Devils.
United are expected to bring a midfielder to Old Trafford next summer, with Red Devils star Casemiro out of contract with the club at the end of the season.
Wharton has made a name for himself at Palace and the 21-year-old Eagles ace is tipped as one of the midfield options that United could pursue in 2026.
Roy Keane raves about a key quality that Man Utd target Adam Wharton showed in his England performance vs Albania
Thomas Tuchel started Adam Wharton in the three-man England midfield on Sunday alongside Arsenal star Declan Rice and Real Madrid ace Jude Bellingham.
Wharton played 75 minutes in the heart of the midfield before England head coach Thomas Tuchel subbed him off for Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson.
Tuchel oversaw England complete their World Cup qualifying campaign without losing a single match after Sunday’s 2-0 result against Albania.
Roy Keane spotted that Wharton was adding another dynamic to England with how the Crystal Palace star wanted to push the ball forward as a midfield option.
Are you excited for World Cup 2026 in the USA?
Speaking during half-time in the match, the Manchester United legend said on ITV Sport: “I do like Adam Wharton.
“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.”
Man Utd icon Roy Keane sends a warning to England midfielder Adam Wharton after what he spotted against Albania
Despite earning the praise of ITV pundit Keane, Wharton’s overall performance left the legendary former United captain wanting to see him do more in the midfield.
The United legend made his position clear that the England midfielder must be able to put “demands” on his teammates to allow him to dictate play much better.
“He’s a bit soft there. Shout at players, go ‘Give me the ball!’” Keane continued, as per The Daily Mail.
He added: “That’s what I used to do, I used to fall out with people a lot. ‘Give me the ball!’ Put demands on your teammates.
“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 teammates.”
Wharton is under contract with Palace until 2029 and the Eagles have reportedly slapped a £100m price tag on the United target to fend off growing interest in him.
Receive a digest of our best United content each week direct to your mailbox
