Adam Wharton has seemingly fallen down Manchester United’s transfer wishlist as the summer transfer window approaches.
Manchester United have been linked to as many as 24 midfield transfer targets ahead of an expected transfer overhaul in 2026.
Ineos have had success buying Premier League proven stars, and that strategy is expected to remain in place this summer. Elliot Anderson, Carlos Baleba and Sandro Tonali appear to be high up on United’s shopping list.
But United’s interest in Adam Wharton appears to have waned, and reports now suggest Kobbie Mainoo’s resurgence has had a part to play.
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Adam Wharton is too similar to Kobbie Mainoo
United need a long-term Casemiro replacement this summer, and that has to be Ineos’ top priority.
Casemiro is leaving and Manuel Ugarte is linked with an exit, so United need a new long-term partner for Mainoo in midfield moving forward.
As per talkSPORT, United sources believe Wharton is too similar in profile to Mainoo as a player for the pair to play regularly together at United.
As a result, United are prioritising other options and are losing interest in the Crystal Palace midfielder ahead of the summer window.
Wharton has the same strengths as Mainoo, as both English midfielders are comfortable in possession and can break through lines with their passing.
But they both share the same weaknesses in terms of covering ground and their defensive work, so as a partnership, it is not what United need.
You have £100m to spend on a midfielder – who are YOU buying, Elliot Anderson or Adam Wharton?
Or is there another realistic player you would sign instead? Let us know who!
Ineos are building around Kobbie Mainoo at Man Utd
Just a few months ago, it looked as though Mainoo’s time as a United player was coming to an end under Ruben Amorim.
But Mainoo’s resurgence under Michael Carrick has been extraordinary, and now it seems Ineos are planning their transfer strategy around the Carrington graduate, and rightly so.
Mainoo is the future of United’s midfield, and rather than replacing him, the Red Devils need a perfect partner for him.
Casemiro has partnered Mainoo brilliantly because he is happy to patrol in front of the back four and cover Mainoo’s defensive weaknesses. United need an athletic bruiser of a midfielder who can do that job alongside Mainoo for years to come.
Anderson is United’s top priority, but rival interest from Manchester City complicates a potential deal.
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