Manchester United's decision not to sign a new midfielder will cost Ruben Amorim his job, even if he is backed with a new goalkeeper. Senne Lammens or Emiliano Martinez look increasingly likely to be the last arrival at Old Trafford before the transfer window closes on Monday evening.
It was this time last year when United's vulnerabilities in the middle of the park were on display for the world to see. Erik ten Hag was in charge at the time, and his side were toyed with by Liverpool at Old Trafford, suffering a 3-0 defeat.
Amorim has failed to mend a broken midfield since replacing Ten Hag, and you could argue that his side is even more open. That's why INEOS were keen on signing Brighton & Hove Albion's Carlos Baleba, but once they learned he wasn't for sale, they should have immediately got a deal done for an alternative.
There is still time to do business, albeit perhaps not in the strongest negotiating position, but it's clear that a new number six is desperately needed. A 15th-place finish should have made this a priority for Jason Wilcox and the higher-ups, even if it now means spending heavily.
Man Utd Must Splash The Cash For Adam Wharton
Adam Wharton in action for Crystal Palace
United have reportedly decided that Lammens is their goalkeeper priority as they look to deal with the dismal form of Altay Bayindir and Andre Onana. The club moved to agree personal terms with Aston Villa's Martinez as a Plan B, but it's Lammens who is their number one target.
That means the Red Devils will be paying just over £20m if they wish to bring the Royal Antwerp shot-stopper to Old Trafford. This is a reasonable fee that surely gives INEOS the freedom to go and fund a deal for a midfielder.
If Sir Jim Ratcliffe wants to fast-track United's rise back to the top of English football, then the British billionaire needs to green-light a move for Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton. He is the rising star of the Premier League, offering a profile akin to that of Michael Carrick, a player the Reds have arguably struggled to replace over the years.
Wharton has been one of the top-flight's most highly-admired midfield talents since arriving at Selhurst Park in January 2024. He immediately took his place in Oliver Glasner's team, playing a crucial role in the Eagles' FA Cup triumph.
The 21-year-old can unlock defences with incredible vision, and he has all the traits of a United gem who could help turn the tide at the Theatre of Dreams. He is highly sought-after even with an £100m valuation, with talk of Liverpool and even La Liga giants Real Madrid monitoring his progress at Palace.
Wharton isn't just an exceptional ball-playing midfielder, but he regains possession effortlessly, something the likes of Casemiro and Manuel Ugarte have struggled to do. It would be some statement for INEOS to swoop for perhaps the most exciting number six in European football and partner him with Kobbie Mainoo.
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The English compatriots could be the Red Devils' long-term midfield duo, allowing Amorim to build the team around them with a glittering attack in front of them. Bruno Fernandes' future, like Mainoo's, is uncertain because his contract is up in the summer of 2027, and it's time to start planning for a future without the Portuguese playmaker.
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