Crystal Palace standout a rumored target for Manchester United

When Ruben Amorim took over at Manchester United, he inherited a fragmented squad shaped by a carousel of managers. Frequent leadership changes have led to an inconsistent transfer strategy, eroding United's ability to compete at the top of the Premier League.

Under Sir Jim Ratcliffe's stewardship, the club seems committed to backing Amorim's long-term vision, recognizing that a turnaround will take time. This summer, they invested over $270 million in attacking reinforcements to support the young manager after United's attack sputtered through the 2024-25 season.

However, despite a rebuilt offense, there are still questions over the current midfield, and a growing need for a new No. 1 in goal. And while figuring out whether to stick with Andre Onana will now be a vital talking point among United's coaches and recruitment staff, it would appear a young English midfielder has also found himself on the team's hitlist.

According to TalkSport, Adam Wharton of Crystal Palace is emerging as a potential transfer target to improve Amorim's midfield options.

"United are weighing up whether to test Palace's resolve to keep (Adam) Wharton after being told Brighton's Carlos Baleba is not for sale," Alex Crook of TalkSport reported. "Manchester United and Liverpool have been long-term admirers of Wharton, while Real Madrid sent scouts to watch him last season. Wharton has helped Palace win the FA Cup and Community Shield in his 18 months at the club."

Wharton would be an ideal long-term fit within United's midfield. He would be one of the two deeper midfielders in Amorim's fluid 3-4-3 formation, while his forward-thinking passing game and ability to dictate tempo from deep would provide the perfect metronome next to the creative spark of Bruno Fernandes. 

Wharton is also athletic enough to shuttle forward when supporting attacks without the risk of being beaten on the break.

United have needed a long-term midfield anchor for years. Wharton is arguably the closest thing to Michael Carrick that the team is going to get. 

So, while United will undoubtedly spend the next few weeks weighing up a move for a goalkeeper and trying to find new homes for players outside of Amorim's plans, a move for Wharton should certainly be worked on in the background. He would be an ideal fit for Amorim's revolution and could be a midfield stalwart for the next decade.