Manchester United are looking to spark a resurgence this year, but the first couple of fixtures since the off-season have issued a reminder that this squad has a long way to go before it gets to where they need to be.
Ruben Amorim has recently spoken of his belief that the Red Devils are closer to their goals this season, but then you would hope that this is so, for United finished 15th in the Premier League last season and lost the Europa League final to Tottenham Hotspur, now excluded from European competition.
Ruben Amorim
Fans would be understood for wanting a few more additions before the close of the transfer window, United having claimed one point from their opening two league fixtures.
The frontline has been reshaped, and efforts for Royal Antwerp goalkeeper Senne Lammens continue, yet Amorim remains intent on signing a central midfielder to establish the balance he needs for his tactical engine to start purring.
Man United searching for a midfielder
Much had been put into the bid for Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder Carlos Baleba this month, but the Seagulls have barred the Cameroonian's exit, and so INEOS have shelved their interest for the time being.
Brighton & Hove Albion's Carlos Baleba in action with Manchester City's Mateo Kovacic
Brighton & Hove Albion's Carlos Baleba in action with Manchester City's Mateo Kovacic
But a deal for another midfielder could yet be struck before the end of the window, with GIVEMESPORT revealing that Kobbie Mainoo could leave Old Trafford, and a replacement brought in.
It's an ambitious one, but that player could be Crystal Palace's Adam Wharton, with The Athletic's Mark Critchley and Laurie Whitwell confirming on Tuesday United's interest in the England international.
Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton
Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton
It seems unlikely that the Eagles would sanction their prized midfielder's exit at this late stage, but it's encouraging to note that Man United's interest is genuine, though they would have to cough up something in the ballpark of £100m, a fee that would eclipse the club's transfer record.
What Adam Wharton would bring to Man United
Described as "the best deep-lying English midfielder since Scholes" by a CONCACAF-certified coach, need we really say anymore?
Wharton, 21, has only been at Crystal Palace since January 2024, joining from Blackburn Rovers in the Championship, but already he has showcased a considerable degree of quality in Oliver Glasner's trophy-winning system, and England's top outfits have taken note.
Adam Wharton 2024-25 season in numbers (timeless)
At the Theatre of Dreams, Wharton would occupy a role currently being filled by Bruno Fernandes, who has moved into a deeper berth than he has principally played across his four-and-a-half years as a Red Devil.
Fernandes, 30, has been the subject of transfer speculation brewing from the Saudi Pro League this summer, but he issued an emphatic response, rejecting the concerted approach from Al Hilal.
Fernandes-Man-Utd-Europa-League
Bruno Fernandes
It's a good thing too. Not only did the Portugal international score 19 goals and supply 19 assists across all competitions for Man United last season, but he also inspired and roused the rabble as they flattered to deceive.
His playmaking knows no bounds, and that's why signing Wharton could work so well for the overall fluency of Amorim's unit, allowing Fernandes to shift back into a more advanced role, facilitated by Wharton's presence.
Most Chances Created in 24/25 PL
#
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Data via StatMuse
Hailed as a "generational talent" by journalist Matthew Stanger, Wharton's 2024/25 campaign was affected by injury, limiting him to just 16 Premier League starts, but he still ranks among the top 12% of midfielders across Europe for progressive passes and the top 8% for shot-creating actions per 90, as per FBref.
A pass is considered progressive if the distance between the starting point and the next touch is at least 10 meters closer to the opponent's goal or any completed pass into the penalty area.
Signing him would open up a fluent channel between the thirds, Wharton's passing feeding into Fernandes' more prolific take on the ball-playing art.
Crystal Palace's Adam Wharton in action with Ipswich Town's Julio Enciso
Crystal Palace's Adam Wharton in action with Ipswich Town's Julio Enciso
There's no denying that Man United's midfield talisman has looked somewhat out of sorts over the first couple of weeks of the term, but Wharton could revive him, all right, and take this proud football club right back to the forefront of domestic and continental football.