Manchester United are gearing up for a pivotal summer following a disastrous campaign, and big changes are on the horizon. With INEOS now overseeing football operations, the club is set to fully back manager Rúben Amorim in the transfer market, giving him the green light to bring in players that align with his philosophy. The focus will be on signing young, dynamic talents to build a squad that can deliver both immediate impact and long-term success.
Amorim has endured a challenging start to life at Old Trafford, but the belief remains strong that, with the right reinforcements, he has the tactical acumen and leadership to turn things around. One of the key areas United are expected to strengthen is the midfield, with Casemiro and Christian Eriksen likely to depart in the summer. Both players are reaching the final stages of their careers, and their exits would pave the way for fresher, high-energy profiles better suited to Amorim’s high-intensity, pressing style.
According to Mick Brown via [Football Insider](https://www.footballinsider247.com/adam-wharton-front-runners-named-as-man-city-and-man-united-eye-huge-deal/), Manchester United are keeping a close eye on Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton as they plan their summer rebuild. The 21-year-old has impressed with his composure, vision, and intelligence in midfield—qualities that make him an ideal fit for Rúben Amorim’s system. Wharton is reportedly open to a move, and a summer exit from Palace is on the cards.
However, United won’t have a clear run at his signature. They are expected to face stiff competition from local rivals Manchester City, who are also tracking the England U21 star closely. With both Manchester clubs looking to inject young talent into their midfield, Wharton could become the subject of a fierce transfer battle in the coming months.
Andy Wharton would be a solid addition to the Manchester United midfield roster.
Manchester United are also admirers of Morgan Gibbs-White, but a move for the Nottingham Forest playmaker may prove difficult. With Forest in strong contention to qualify for the UEFA Champions League next season, there will be little incentive for them to part ways with one of their most influential players. As a result, Adam Wharton emerges as the more attainable and arguably smarter option for United.
Crystal Palace’s young midfield maestro is a breath of fresh air every time he steps onto the pitch. At just 21, he plays with the maturity and composure of a seasoned pro. His press-resistant calm, coupled with silky ball control, allows him to glide through congested midfield zones with ease. He’s not just safe in possession, he’s bold. His crisp, vertical passing regularly breaks lines and unlocks defences, bringing real incision to his team’s play.
Wharton is also a constant thinker on the pitch, always scanning, positioning, and orchestrating from deep, dictating tempo with poise. He fits perfectly into the mold of a modern, high-IQ midfielder, exactly the profile Rúben Amorim needs to breathe new life into United’s engine room. With the club moving on from veterans like Casemiro and Eriksen, Wharton could become a cornerstone of United’s midfield for years to come.
Defensively, Wharton is no slouch either. He’s sharp in the tackle, has a natural instinct for interceptions, and reads the game with intelligence. While he may not dominate in aerial duels, his tireless work rate, positional awareness, and football IQ more than make up for it. He’s the rare blend of playmaker and enforcer—a player who combines flair with tenacity, seamlessly transitioning between creativity and defensive responsibility.
For Manchester United, Wharton represents one of the smartest midfield targets they can pursue this summer. With the club heading into a crucial transfer window under Rúben Amorim and the backing of INEOS, reinforcing the midfield with a player of his profile would be a statement of intent. Young, composed, and Premier League-proven, Wharton checks all the boxes for the kind of squad United need to rebuild. Whether they can get the deal over the line remains to be seen, but one thing is certain—they should absolutely make the move.