The latest Manchester United FC transfer news and views as Wayne Rooney makes his feelings clear.
Manchester United great Wayne Rooney.
Manchester United great Wayne Rooney.(Image: Emmanuele Ciancaglini/Ciancaphoto Studio/Getty Images)
Manchester United are likely to miss out on the addition of Carlos Baleba in the summer transfer window.
The deal for the Brighton midfielder is not completely dead, but it has been put on ice as we enter the final stages of the summer transfer window. While Baleba would have arguably been the ideal signing for Ruben Amorim, all is not lost.
Baleba is thought to still be keen on a move to United and is happy to wait until next year if that is what is needed. While United have a move for the Cameroonian on the back burner, they must turn their attention to an alternative target before September 1
United are still missing bite in their midfield - and will want to fill that gap before the window closes. Sporting's Morten Hjulmand and Atalanta's Ederson have both been mentioned as alternatives, but Wayne Rooney knows exactly who United should target next.
Back in April, the iconic ex-United striker expressed his admiration for Crystal Palace's Adam Wharton. Picked up from Blackburn Rovers, the 21-year-old has adapted to the Premier League like a duck to water.
He has shown he can offer that bite in midfield, which United so desperately lack right now. Expressing his feelings on Wharton, Rooney told BBC Sport: "Attacking players get a lot of the credit, but Adam Wharton was outstanding.
Adam Wharton in action for Crystal Palace.
Adam Wharton in action for Crystal Palace.
"His commitment and winning the ball back - I thought he was the best player on the pitch." This was after Palace had beaten Aston Villa comfortably to reach the final of the FA Cup - which they eventually won of course - and it saw Eberechi Eze and Ismaila Sarr showcase their talents.
Wharton would be an impressive addition for United if they can bring him in. He is also comfortable playing in the 3-4-2-1 system which Amorim favours which will make him a huge positive for United.
When United signed Wilfried Zaha from Palace, there was concerns that he was struggling to settle in Manchester and would eventually return to Selhurst Park. Having been born in Blackburn, these concerns should not be present with Wharton.
The only trouble is whether United will find Palace to be any easier to negotiate with than Brighton.
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