Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim reacts during the Manchester derby.placeholder image
Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim reacts during the Manchester derby. | Getty Images
Manchester United may have received another blow in a difficult start to the season
After tentative optimism in pre-season, Manchester United have not begun the new season in much better fashion to how they finished the last as pressure begins to ramp up on Ruben Amorim.
The Red Devils followed up an encouraging opening-day performance against Arsenal with suffering a late equaliser against Fulham, before defeat on penalties at the hands of League Two Grimsby Town quickly changed the narrative. Despite victory over Burnley, United were soundly beaten in the Manchester derby at the Etihad and now sit down in 14th in the table.
Money was spent on improving the Red Devils as an attacking force over the summer and while that may prove effective, other areas of the pitch have been neglected as a result. Namely the midfield, where a distinct lack of legs and energy is evident. United have already begun targeting midfield options for 2026, but a huge blow may have emerged.
Man United target Adam Wharton keen on Liverpool move
Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton has become one of the Premier League’s very best young players in the centre of the park since his arrival from Blackburn Rovers for £22million in January 2024. Still just 21 years-old, Wharton has been targeted by some of the world’s biggest clubs and may soon take the next step in his career.
But according to Fichajes, Man United may have been dealt a bitter blow in their pursuit of the midfielder as it is believed that he is prioritising a move to champions Liverpool, who recently joined the race for his signature. The report states that Wharton has ‘made clear’ his preference of a move to Anfield, despite rival interest from United, Chelsea and Real Madrid.
With a reported price tag of between £51m - £60m, Wharton may be available for a reasonable price next summer and he will have no shortage of clubs queuing up for his services.
The central midfielder has already made 49 appearances for Palace and registered six assists, though he is yet to score his first Premier League goal. He also made his full England debut in 2024 and was called up to Thomas Tuchel’s most recent squad before pulling out with injury.
Losing out on Wharton would be a major blow
The prospect of losing out on Wharton tells the unfortunate reality of where United are in the football food chain at this moment in time. Of the four clubs mentioned, Old Trafford is the only place where Wharton would be guaranteed a starting role and to become one of the most important stars in the team. It seems the 21-year-old is looking for more.
At Liverpool he would be in direct competition with Ryan Gravenberch, with other midfield options including the likes of Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai. While Wharton will be confident in his ability to force his way into the side, it would be no easy task.
The Red Devils are in need of someone with Wharton’s exact qualities. Capable of doing the defensive work in midfield in addition to starting attacks with his supreme calmness in possession, Wharton would be viewed as a significant upgrade on Manuel Ugarte and the ageing Casemiro.
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