No one could’ve predicted the mammoth amount of money Manchester United could’ve splashed throughout this summer, with the hierarchy backing Ruben Amorim in his quest for success at the club.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe previously threw shade at the previous regime for their careless spending, which resulted in their recent cost-cutting operation at Old Trafford.
However, he’s overseen a transfer window which has already seen over £200m spent on new signings, with all three being made within the attacking department.
manchester-united-sir-jim-ratcliffe-casemiro-premier-league
Other areas of the pitch are in desperate need of investment before the end of the window, that’s if the side are to rise up the Premier League table in 2025/26.
The hierarchy have already identified numerous targets for the middle of the park, with work being made to land reinforcements for Amorim’s first full season at the helm.
The latest on United’s hunt for new midfielders this summer
Carlos Baleba has been the player most frequently mentioned with a move to join United this summer, with the Cameroonian potentially being the next big-money addition to the side.
The 21-year-old would be an immediate and long-term addition to the side, but it would be an expensive purchase given Brighton and Hove Albion’s current £100m asking price.
FFC Manchester United Baleba
However, he’s not the only young Premier League talent in their sights this summer, with Crystal Palace star Adam Wharton a potential target, according to the Daily Mail.
The report claims that the Red Devils are closely monitoring the Englishman should they fail to land a deal for Baleba between now and the September 1st deadline.
It also states that he’s hugely admired behind the scenes at Old Trafford, but, like the Brighton star, it would be a hefty investment, with Oliver Glasner’s side demanding in the region of £100m to sell the 21-year-old.
Why United’s latest target is a bigger talent than Baleba
United’s need for added reinforcements in the middle of the park has been evident in recent months, with such an area next on the recruitment hit list.
Carlos Baleba fbref stats
Whilst captain Bruno Fernandes is set to operate in a deeper role, it’s unclear who will be the Portuguese international’s partner at the heart of the side.
Manuel Ugarte, Kobbie Mainoo and Casemiro all remain on the books at Old Trafford, but the aforementioned duo have struggled to adapt to Amorim’s system - whilst the latter is entering the final years of his career at 33.
The manager will undoubtedly want to make another addition in such a department to help the side return to their former glory during his tenure at the Theatre of Dreams.
Whilst Baleba has been the name most frequently mentioned in recent weeks, the club would be better off pursuing a move for Wharton before the end of the summer window.
Adam Wharton 2024-25 season in numbers (timeless)
When comparing their respective stats from the Premier League last season, the Eagles star managed to outperform him in numerous key areas - being the perfect deep-lying option Amorim has been hunting for.
Wharton, who’s been labelled “phenomenal” by HLTCO, completed more key passes and passes into the final third per 90 - having the tools to provide those new signings ahead of him to impress at Old Trafford.
How Wharton & Baleba compare in the PL (2024/25)
Statistics (per 90)
Games played
Goals & assists
Progressive passes
Key passes made
Passes into final third
Interceptions made
Clearances made
Carries into final third
Recoveries made
Stats via FBref
He also made more carries into the final third, further highlighting the talent he possesses with the ball at his feet, offering a press-resistant option with his close control, which has been one of his most impressive attributes.
However, a ball-winner is something which the Red Devils desperately need, with the youngster able to provide just that if he can replicate his tally of interceptions made per 90 in the North West.
With both players potentially costing a club-record fee for United, it’s pivotal that the board make the right call on which signing they make, potentially losing a whole heap if they make the wrong decision.
As previously mentioned, it’s evident that Wharton would be the better signing, having the chance to develop into a world beater under Amorim and fire the club back closer towards their former glory.