Manchester United can take plenty of positives from their Premier League opener but there is still much work to do in the transfer window amid links with Carlos Baleba and Adam Wharton
Isaac is a senior NCTJ-trained journalist with an MA in News Journalism. He has experience of working for national and regional news organisations including the Express, the Manchester Evening News and the Liverpool Echo. He currently covers sport across all regional sites at Reach PLC.
Adam Wharton of England and Crystal Palace talks to the media
Man United legend Rio Ferdinand has heaped praise on Red-linked Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton
(Image: Richard Pelham/Getty Images)
Manchester United kicked off the new season with a disappointing 1-0 defeat to Arsenal at Old Trafford on Sunday.
Ruben Amorim's squad can, however, take solace from the promising performances of new signings Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha despite the defeat. Attention will now be on striker Benjamin Sesko to provide the much-needed goals after another goalless outing over the weekend for United.
The Reds' faithful are hoping that a new midfielder will also arrive before the summer transfer window shuts on September 1. Brighton & Hove Albion's Carlos Baleba and Adam Wharton of Crystal Palace have been the names most frequently mentioned in recent weeks.
Below are some of the latest United headlines as well as a view on each one.
Ferdinand wants United to complete Wharton transfer
Former United centre-back Rio Ferdinand has called on his old side to look at Wharton amid interest in Brighton's Baleba.
“We’ve been talking about Baleba, he’s been the hot topic for the last month or so, but before that, Adam Wharton was one of the guys I was saying,” he said on his YouTube channel.
“He’s the nearest to a Michael Carrick type, who’s a controller, who can play, who plays forward from that deeper line position at times. He can be an eight if you need him to be and can run on at times if need be, but he’s more of a conductor and can control things.
“I watched him in a couple of games last season against big teams like Man City and Liverpool, and he looks unfazed. He looks ready for a big occasion.
“He enjoys pressure, can play under pressure, and the game kind of slows down when the ball is around him. I love him. I think he’s a fantastic footballer.”
Isaac Seelochan of The Manchester Evening News says: "Wharton played a huge role in Palace's shock FA Cup win last season and has the Premier League experience most top sides will crave.
"The 21-year-old is also an England international who has been to a major tournament with the Three Lions at Euro 2024. Ineos appears to be targeting young stars at Old Trafford, and he fits the bill perfectly."
Napoli make contact for Hojlund deal
Fabrizio Romano, who specialises in transfers, has claimed that Napoli have made contact with United over a potential loan deal for Rasmus Hojlund.
The former Atalanta forward scored just 10 goals across all competitions in 2024/25 and looked devoid of confidence for much of a difficult season. He was left out of Ruben Amorim's squad for Sunday's defeat to Arsenal and faces an uncertain future at Old Trafford after the arrival of Sesko.
Isaac Seelochan of The Manchester Evening News says: "It just simply hasn't worked out for Hojlund at United. It's not entirely his fault with the Dane needing to have an experienced striker to play alongside and take the pressure off him, but he is ultimately not good enough for what the Reds want to be under Amorim."
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