Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim.placeholder image
Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim. | Getty Images
Manchester United are in the hunt for some more players before the end of the transfer window
Manchester United have been busy on the recruitment front so far this summer. They have delved into the market to bring in the likes of Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo. The Red Devils have the chance to bring in more new faces before the end of the transfer window on Monday 1st September.
Ruben Amorim is preparing for his first full season in charge at Old Trafford. He arrived mid-way through last season as their replacement for Erik ten Hag and it has since been a mixed spell for him in terms of results. His team finished down in 15th place in the last campaign and need to improve.
Manchester United should eye Adam Wharton
United have been linked with Brighton and Hove Albion midfielder Carlos Baleba. However, the Seagulls don’t want to sell him anytime soon. Their chief executive Paul Barber has said: “We will always try to make sure we sell our best players at the right time, not just for the player but for us. If we end up doing that with any player, it's with the view to leave Fabian (Hürzeler) with a very competitive squad, whatever happens. We don't want to sell our best players. Carlos is a fantastic talent who has a lot of years ahead of him. We hope he will be here for many years to come.”
If the Red Devils can’t sign Baleba, they should turn their attention to Crystal Palace star Adam Wharton instead. He has been eyed by them in the past and remains at Selhurst Park for now. The England international, who has one cap to his name, is a key player for the Eagles and is one of their most prized assets.
Wharton, 21, was snapped up by his current back in January 2024 on a long-term deal and he has since adapted well to life in the top flight. Oliver Glasner will be desperate to keep hold of him for as long as he can. The youngster has made 40 appearances for them in all competitions to date and has a bright future ahead of him.
Last summer he was branded outstanding by Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice who also said the midfielder is “so composed and calm on the ball” with “a beautiful left foot.”
Why homegrown Adam Wharton would suit Manchester United
Wharton would give United more competition and depth in the middle of the park if they were able to get him. He is still young and has bags of potential to get even better down the line. He is also the same age as Baleba and has made a similar impact.
He rose up through the academy ranks at Blackburn Rovers and was a regular at various different youth levels. He broke into their first-team as a teenager and went on to play 51 games altogether, chipping in with four goals. The Blackburn-born man was then sold last year and hasn’t looked back since.
United need homegrown players who are hungry to suceed and Wharton fits the bill for them. The fact he is left-footed as well means he would give them more balance in midfield. The Red Devils would have to fork out big money to get him but he if arrived and made an immediate positive impression, he would be worth every penny.
Amorim’s men face Arsenal at home on Sunday 17th August. In the meantime though, they have one final pre-season friendly outing to get through first against Fiorentina. They will use that match against the Serie A club as one to help get their players back up to full fitness.
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