Manchester United reportedly view Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton as 'too similar' to Kobbie Mainoo, but could still pursue a transfer if they sign three midfielders this summer. Meanwhile, Wharton is celebrating Palace's Conference League triumph in style.
Kieran King Football Writer
11:20, 28 May 2026Updated 11:24, 28 May 2026
Adam Wharton lifting the Conference League trophy with Crystal Palace
Adam Wharton lifting the Conference League trophy with Crystal Palace(Image: Getty Images)
Manchester United regards Adam Wharton as 'too similar' to Kobbie Mainoo, yet could still pursue him should they opt to bring in three midfielders rather than two this summer.
United is eager to bolster their midfield and are expected to make Ederson their first signing of the Michael Carrick era, having agreed a $51 million (£38 million) deal with Atalanta. The 26 year old Brazilian has impressed in Serie A over the past four years and is poised to add further quality and depth to United's engine room.
With Casemiro having departed Old Trafford upon the expiry of his contract in June, and United needing additional personnel for their Champions League campaign, Ederson will not be the sole midfield recruit this summer. The Red Devils are scouring the market for a number of other targets, amongst them Nottingham Forest's Elliot Anderson and Brighton's Carlos Baleba.
Wharton is another name to have appeared on United's radar, though the club feel he carries a similar profile to Mainoo and may therefore think twice about making a move, according to The Telegraph. While his progressive passing is admired, it is believed he is not a natural partner for Mainoo in Carrick's 4-2-3-1 system.
Liverpool and Chelsea are among the clubs thought to be keeping a close eye on Wharton's situation, though despite the swirling speculation over his future, his focus right now will undoubtedly be on celebrating Crystal Palace's Conference League victory.
The 22 year old impressed for Palace on Wednesday as they overcame Spanish opposition Rayo Vallecano to lift Europe's third-tier trophy and secure Europa League football for the forthcoming season. Following an exceptional performance, Wharton was presented with UEFA's Player of the Match award in recognition of his contribution.
Speaking afterwards about how he plans to celebrate Palace's achievement, Wharton has "big" intentions after missing out on the festivities following the FA Cup final triumph over Manchester City 12 months prior due to a head injury.
Crystal Palace FC v Rayo Vallecano de Madrid - UEFA Conference League Final 2026
Adam Wharton has shone for Crystal Palace(Image: Getty)
He told TNT Sports: "It's going to be big. I missed the FA Cup last year so I've got two celebrations to catch up on. I've got to do the doping [check] now so hopefully I can get on the beers and alcohol quickly!"
Oliver Glasner, who had previously been linked with the vacant United role before Michael Carrick was confirmed on a permanent basis, has delivered outstanding results at Palace.
Since taking charge at Selhurst Park in February 2024, Glasner has steered the Eagles to three pieces of silverware, amongst them the FA Cup and Conference League.
Paying homage to the Austrian tactician, Wharton added: "The difference he's made in two-and-a-half years is incredible. Unbelievable. He's got to be one of the best managers Palace have ever had and he's made a huge difference on how the club looks at competitions now."
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Even if United are unable to secure Wharton's signature, he is widely expected to draw substantial interest from other clubs. The Blackburn-born midfielder is considered one of the most talented players in his position in world football at present.