Man United know they need to sign a central midfielder in next summer's transfer window.
Manchester United's Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha celebrate with Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes
Manchester United's Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha celebrate with Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes
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The January transfer window is still more than two months away but Manchester United will already be making plans for next summer's transfer window.
Making wholesale changes to the squad in the mid-season window is rarely a good idea, especially given the inflated price tags that come with the January market, and so United will wait until next summer to address their midfield issues.
Casemiro has been much more reliable for United this season, but he is out of contract at the end of the campaign, by which point he will be 34. MEN Sport understands the Brazilian could be offered a new deal on reduced terms, but United would be wise to cut ties and look for a long-term solution.
Manuel Ugarte has not done enough to suggest he can be trusted as United's first-choice defensive midfielder, and so it's down to the club to ensure the right man is brought in.
Ruben Amorim has spoken a number of times about how he looked to target Premier League proven players in his first summer transfer window with the club, and the impact made by Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha suggests the United boss would be wise to stick to that plan next year.
The attacking duo have both proven themselves to be brilliant signings for Amorim. That's not to say that players arriving from foreign leagues can't excel at United - look at the impact Senne Lammens has made - but players with Premier League pedigree definitely carry less of a risk than those who haven't experienced the intensity of the league.
United can't afford to sign a midfield player who takes time to adapt to the league. And so Adam Wharton looks to be an obvious target.
Adam Wharton has been linked with a move to Manchester United
Adam Wharton has been linked with a move to Manchester United
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He already knows the Premier League and has proven himself at Crystal Palace. He also offers United versatility in the centre with his ability to play as either the No.6 or No.8, which could be crucial if injuries start to bite.
Wharton also plays in a 3-4-3 system at Palace and so he wouldn't need time to adapt to a change in formation.
No signing comes without a certain degree of risk attached, but Wharton has shown he has the quality to play at the highest level and knows what to expect from the Premier League.
He seems an obvious choice.
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