As part of the summer rebuild at Manchester United, Ruben Amorim has splashed the cash, with all three of his major additions to date being made in the final third of the pitch.
Benjamin Sesko, Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo have all made the move to Old Trafford - setting the hierarchy back a sum in the region of £200m in the process.
However, such moves were desperately needed, especially after the Red Devils only managed to average 1.15 goals per game in the Premier League last campaign.
Such movement has formed a new deadly trio for Amorim, but he must now turn his attention to other areas of the squad, with the September 1st deadline rapidly approaching.
The midfield department is desperately crying out for another reinforcement, which could see the hierarchy land a big-money partner for Bruno Fernandes for 2025/26 and beyond.
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The latest on Man Utd’s hunt for a new midfielder
Over the last few weeks, United’s hunt for a new midfielder has been dominated by a potential deal to sign Brighton and Hove Albion star Carlos Baleba.
Despite deliberations between the player’s representatives and Amorim’s side, it appears as though the Cameroonian will stay at the AMEX this window - with his £100m asking price deemed too expensive.
However, it appears as though the Red Devils hierarchy have moved onto another Premier League talent in the form of Crystal Palace youngster Adam Wharton.
According to Spanish outlet AS, Amorim’s side are currently leading the race for the 21-year-old’s signature, with Real Madrid also in the race for the Englishman’s signature.
adam wharton
The report also states it's unclear whether the Eagles will be willing to let him depart after Eberechi Eze’s deal to join Arsenal, only entertaining offers in the region of €80m (£69m).
Why United’s target would be perfect for Cunha & Mbeumo
There’s an understandable amount of excitement building at United, with their business in the transfer market certainly playing a huge part over recent weeks.
Moves for Cunha and Mbeumo have added needed Premier League experience, with the hope the pair can replicate their impressive goalscoring form from the 2024/25 campaign.
The duo netted 35 times between them in England’s top-flight last season, which led to the Red Devils hierarchy forking out a combined £133.5m for the pair.
Manchester-United-Cunha-Mbeumo
Both are likely to operate behind Sesko at Old Trafford, needing ammunition from players around them to provide the chances to impress within the final third.
Bruno has dropped into a deeper role in recent weeks, but could also be joined in such a position by Wharton before the end of the summer window.
The youngster would likely provide the ball-winning option needed at the heart of the side, but he could also offer a threat in forward areas - should he replicate his form at Selhurst Park.
Wharton, who’s been labelled “phenomenal” by HLTCO, managed to complete 7.3 progressive passes and 5.3 passes into the final third per 90 last time around, having the ability to provide the aforementioned duo with numerous chances in front of goal.
Adam Wharton's stats for Palace in the PL (2024/25)
Statistics (per 90)
Games played
Goals & assists
Pass accuracy
Progressive passes
Key passes
Passes into final third
Tackles won
Interceptions made
Clearances made
Recoveries made
Stats via FBref
He also registered 1.8 key passes per 90 - at an accuracy rate of 76% - further highlighting the talent he possesses when having the ball at his feet.
However, out of possession, the youngster has also impressed, winning 2.3 tackles per 90 and making 1.4 interceptions - subsequently having the tools to offer the ball-winning player Amorim has craved at the heart of his side.
It would undoubtedly be yet another expensive addition for the Red Devils this summer, but it’s one that would massively solve the issues currently apparent at the Theatre of Dreams.
If he can sit deep and regain possession, whilst also having the tools to provide others with chances in dangerous areas - it would be an excellent piece of business, not to mention an investment that could be worth millions more in the years ahead, given his tender age.