Manchester United did not secure the signing of a central midfielder during the summer transfer window, as their pursuit of Brighton’s Carlos Baleba did not result in a transfer. Recent reports indicate that they may target Crystal Palace’s playmaker Adam Wharton in the upcoming January transfer window.
Report: Adam Wharton Move to Man Utd is ‘One to Watch’
Nonetheless, it was evident that Amorim was in search of a midfielder. Baleba was considered, while Mason Mount was sidelined due to injury during their match against Burnley at the end of August, which implies that Manuel Ugarte and Casemiro are viable candidates to partner with Bruno Fernandes in Amorim’s two-man midfield.
Furthermore, journalist Mark Brus has reported that a reliable source indicated there would be ‘strong interest’ in Wharton come January, with United likely to pursue him during the winter transfer window after Palace set a £100 million valuation on him. Brus mentioned this in his Daily Briefing:
“I’ve just had an interesting WhatsApp exchange with a very well-connected source who’s expecting strong interest in Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton this January.
“In the end, Eagles co-owner and chairman Steve Parish will have to view the transfer window as a relative success – Eze was the only major sale, with Wharton and Guehi staying put, while Oliver Glasner is also still in charge despite interest from Manchester United.
“However, this may all only be a temporary reprieve, with Guehi obviously out of contract at the end of the season. As reported yesterday, Liverpool remain confident that they’re in pole position to sign him on a free transfer despite ‘noise’ about links with other clubs.
“Wharton is also going to be one to watch again in upcoming transfer windows, with my sources telling me that Liverpool, Chelsea and Manchester United could all push for him in January.”
Wharton has been in immaculate form since joining Palace last January. The former Blackburn Rovers star has fit seamlessly into their midfield, with his ball retention and keen eye for a line-breaking pass making him one of England’s major starlets.
United could see him sit alongside Fernandes in the centre of the park, breaking up attacks and keeping United on the front foot with his progressive passing allowing the Red Devils to burst forward.
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