Manchester United are assessing options for midfield in summer 2026. Adam Wharton is one name that is dividing opinion.
Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton is one of the best midfielders in the Premier League, and it is no surprise his name has been connected with Manchester United.
United are looking to strengthen the midfield as a top priority, with Casemiro set to leave the club when his contract expires.
Adam Wharton is a viable contender, but there is a reason why the Red Devils are shying away from a move for the England international.
Kobbie Mainoo and Adam Wharton pictured together at England.
Photo by Eddie Keogh – The FA/The FA via Getty Images
You have £100m to spend on a midfielder – who are YOU buying, Elliot Anderson or Adam Wharton?
Or is there another realistic player you would sign instead? Let us know who!
Anderson or Wharton graphic
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Doubling down on Kobbie Mainoo
Manchester United fear that Adam Wharton is too similar to Kobbie Mainoo, according to talkSPORT.
The report claims that United’s interest in Wharton has waned because the club fear the Palace star is the wrong profile of midfielder that United need.
On one hand, we should be encouraged that Manchester United are thinking carefully about ‘player fit’ when it comes to recruitment.
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The club have made mistakes in the past of just signing players without any thought about how they might fit into the team; see Juan Mata and Alexis Sanchez.
But there is also a very real case that Adam Wharton and Kobbie Mainoo are both young, adaptable and highly talented, and United would be very lucky to have both players.
United are still expected to sign two midfielders, upgrading on Manuel Ugarte.
The club will have Champions League football to play next season, and need options to rotate and cover injury.
Mainoo is a top talent who is an every week starter right now. But what if Adam Wharton is a better player?
Wharton is a top talent in his own right. At just 22, he has a lot to offer, with 135 club appearances under his belt already. United could regret not signing him this summer and letting him sign for a rival instead.
United are concerned Adam Wharton is too similar to Kobbie Mainoo – is this a good reason to back away from a deal?
Or are two Kobbie Mainoo types actually smart to have…?
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It worked with Wayne Rooney and Carlos Tevez
Back in 2007, Manchester United had an opportunity to sign Carlos Tevez. There was some concern at the time that he was too similar in style to Wayne Rooney.
They were similar players, but they were also top footballers blessed with intelligence, who figured out how to play together.
Sir Alex Ferguson was not afraid to play them together.
That is no guarantee Mainoo and Wharton could work – but they do not necessarily have to start every single game together.
United will sign a third midfielder, and work out the best combination of the three, dependent on the opponent.
Wharton will be a big time investment for the next decade, and Mainoo is expected to stick around for a long time too once he signs his new contract.
Having two players with the style and quality of Kobbie Mainoo does not need to be seen as a bad thing.
It can give United a platform, especially if you have a former midfield maestro like Michael Carrick pulling the strings from the dugout.
You are building Man Utd’s midfield for 26/27: Is Kobbie Mainoo a first choice starter?
Or are you signing two NEW starting midfielders?
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