One of Manchester United’s transfer targets is hitting peak form just weeks before the summer transfer window opens.
It is bound to be a busy summer window for Manchester United as Ineos look to overhaul the squad after a hugely disappointing campaign in 2024/25.
Ruben Amorim is under huge pressure to try and salvage something from the season when United face Tottenham in the 2025 Europa League final on Wednesday evening.
Winning that final would upgrade United’s summer transfer plans, inflating the budget and attracting Champions League-quality players to Old Trafford.
One area United could look to strengthen is in central midfield, and Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton has emerged as a target.
Photo by Sebastian Frej/MB Media/Getty Images
Photo by Sebastian Frej/MB Media/Getty Images
Man United target Adam Wharton dominates FA Cup final
Last season, it was United who were underdogs at Wembley before beating Manchester City in the final.
This time, Crystal Palace won their first-ever FA Cup by beating City 1-0 at Wembley on Saturday afternoon. Former United star Dean Henderson saved a crucial penalty, while Wharton was exceptional in midfield.
Wharton has been linked to United as a potential replacement for either Christian Eriksen or Casemiro. Data provided by SofaScore suggests he’s more than ready to make the move to Old Trafford.
An infographic of Adam Wharton's match stats for Crystal Palace vs Manchester City in the FA Cup.
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Wharton started at Wembley and completely dominated City’s midfield throughout his 87-minute display.
Palace only had 21% possession in the match, so Wharton had to be efficient when the ball did arrive at his feet. He completed 100% of his dribbles and completed 11 of his 14 passes – a success rate of 79%.
But for most of the game, Wharton found himself trying to keep the likes of Bernardo Silva and Kevin De Bruyne quiet. Defensively, he was flawless. Wharton completed 100% of his tackles – three out of three, while also making three clearances and two interceptions.
Adam Wharton's game by numbers vs. Man City:
100% tackles won
100% dribbles completed
100% crosses completed
5 duels won
4 clearances
3 tackles attempted
3 tackles won
2 interceptions
2 blocks
2 shots
What a shift he has put in. 🔋 pic.twitter.com/y0wGJerP4r
— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) May 17, 2025
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He won five of his eight duels and also blocked two shots. He was given a 7/10 rating for his performance.
Man United could splash £60m on Adam Wharton
Rio Ferdinand has urged United to sign Wharton this summer, but the 21-year-old midfielder will not come cheap.
According to the Daily Mail, Palace value Wharton at £60m heading into the summer window, and they won’t be lowering it anytime soon after his incredible Wembley masterclass.
With Eriksen leaving this summer, United will need extra strength in midfield but whether the Red Devils can afford a £60m signing seems unlikely.
READ MORE: ‘Expected to leave…’ Ruben Amorim boost as Man Utd-linked star set for summer exit after rejecting new deal
Over the last 18 months, Wharton has become a key player for Palace and he has also worked his way into the England setup.
Considering United have an academy star similar to Wharton, Amorim may be tempted to trust in the youth at Carrington rather than spend a huge fee bringing Wharton to Manchester.