An Aston Villa star already linked to Manchester United could be a lot more appealing to the Red Devils following the latest news regarding Crystal Palace gem Adam Wharton.
TBR Football have shared an exclusive update about how Palace view Wharton this week.
We have learned that Manchester United are keeping close tabs on the Englishman, along with the likes of Liverpool and Chelsea.
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However, Palace’s stance on Wharton may lead to the Manchester outfit turning their attention elsewhere. More specifically, back towards one of Aston Villa’s players.
Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton in action during his side's UEFA Conference League play-off match against Fredrikstad
Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images
Manchester United may decide to look at Amadou Onana again after Adam Wharton update
During the 2025 summer transfer window, it was reported that Manchester United were interested in Villa’s Amadou Onana, though it was ‘difficult to see a good price being found’.
Aston Villa signed the midfielder from Everton in 2024 for a fee the BBC reported to be £50m.
While not confirmed, it’s likely the Midlands outfit would want somewhere around that price point to part ways with the ex-Toffee.
A substantial fee, yes, but it could well pale in comparison to what Man Utd, or any other potential suitors, may need to cough up in order to pry Wharton away from Selhurst Park.
TBR Football has learned that whilst the Eagles are not looking to put a price-tag on Wharton, they believe he is in the same bracket as Declan Rice, who left West Ham United for Arsenal in 2023 for over £100m.
With that in mind, it may be wise for Man Utd to look at potential alternatives, such as Onana.
Amadou Onana celebrates with Marcus Rashford for Aston Villa.
Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images
How Amadou Onana compares to Adam Wharton
The Villa midfielder has endured an injury-hit 2025/26 season so far, returning in the 2-1 win over Tottenham at the weekend.
Last season, though, Onana was one of the best holding midfielders in the Premier League.
Statistic (per 90) Amadou Onana (PL 24/25) Adam Wharton (PL 24/25)
Passes completed 39.13 37.42
Shot-creating action (Live-ball) 1.39 3.07
Tackles 3.06 2.32
% of Dribblers Tackled 55.2 38.6
Tackles and interceptions 4.51 3.69
Wharton does have the edge over Onana when it comes to chance-creation.
However, Man Utd’s priority in the transfer market right now should be a defensive-minded, holding midfield who can sit in front of the back four and allow Bruno Fernandes to take up a more advanced role.
Onana can offer that, and it does look as though he would be significantly cheaper than Wharton.