Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand is convinced that one Premier League talent who can absorb “pressure” is the perfect fit for the Red Devils.
Manchester United have invested heavily in the summer transfer window and the Red Devils could still bring further names through the doors at Old Trafford.
Ruben Amorim has seen key areas of the Manchester United first-team squad strengthened with new arrivals, including a major boost to the attacking line.
Matheus Cunha arrived at Old Trafford in June before Bryan Mbeumo signed for the Premier League club in July, with Benjamin Sesko being snapped up in August.
United are also building for the long term under manager Ruben Amorim and the Red Devils announced the signing of Paraguayan wonderkid Diego Leon last month.
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Former TNT Sports pundit Rio Ferdinand looks on during the Premier League match between Aston Villa and Fulham at Villa Park in 2025 in Birmingham, England.
Photo by Malcolm Couzens/Getty Images
Rio Ferdinand compares Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton to an underrated Man Utd legend
Manchester United are on the hunt for a new midfielder in the summer transfer window, with the Red Devils also tipped to bring in a new shot-stopper.
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Carlos Baleba has been linked with United in recent weeks, but the Red Devils face a tough test in prying the 21-year-old midfielder away from Brighton this summer.
The Brighton star is under contract with the Seagulls until 2028 and the club have reportedly slapped a whopping £120m price tag on Carlos Baleba this summer.
Rio Ferdinand said that United could turn their attention to Adam Wharton and the Crystal Palace midfielder reminds him of legendary ex-teammate Michael Carrick.
Speaking on Rio Ferdinand Presents, he said: “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 [United should sign].
“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.”
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What Rio Ferdinand found in Adam Wharton amid Man Utd’s transfer interest in the Crystal Palace midfielder
Adam Wharton has emerged on United’s radar as an alternative to Carlos Baleba if the Red Devils are unable to land the Cameroon international from Brighton.
The 21-year-old England star has impressed during his spell with the Eagles and Wharton is under contract with Crystal Palace until 2029 after his arrival in 2024.
Ferdinand said that he has seen Wharton in action during the 2024-25 Premier League season and he waxed lyrical about the Three Lions international’s ability.
“I watched him in a couple of games last season against big teams like Man City and Liverpool, and he looks unfazed,” he said.
“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.”
Wharton has six assists to his name in 45 matches for Palace since the England midfielder’s stunning move to Selhurst Park from Blackburn Rovers.