Dwight Yorke urges Manchester United to pass on the opportunity to land Adam Wharton
Manchester United have reportedly mapped out a bold plan to restructure their midfield in the last few transfer windows, and the club is reportedly prioritising moves for Adam Wharton, Carlos Baleba and Elliot Anderson.
The plan centres on securing young, Premier League-ready talent capable of settling in quickly and serving the club across key development years. However, this vision demands a very high outlay, with combined valuations reaching up to £250 million, meaning the rebuild may extend through to 2027.
Despite the financial commitment, former striker Dwight Yorke expressed doubts over Wharton’s readiness, suggesting that it would be too early for the club to sign the 21-year-old for such an important role.
Dwight Yorke urges Manchester United to pass on the opportunity to land Adam Wharton.
Yorke suggested Wharton is overhyped and at 21, a move to Old Trafford could be too much, too soon.
He pointed to the struggles of Antony and Rasmus Højlund, both were signed at similar ages for big fees, and indicated a risk in pushing emerging players too quickly into the spotlight.
Yorke claimed that the Red Devils have lacked a commanding presence in the number six role since their most successful period, citing inconsistency from Casemiro and questioning whether Wharton is ready to dictate matches in that position.
“I’m not sure Adam Wharton is the answer.”
“He’s still not quite there for me yet and that’s an area of concern we have to look to improve.”
“It is a gap in this Man United team. You look at the history behind the football club in its most successful years and they always had a fantastic number six in that position.”
“Casemiro has been hit and miss at times, and it’s a key part of your team. You listen to all the great managers, that central area of your midfield is always so important. It’s a tough gig that one to find the right players and I think that’s why they’re struggling.”
“They haven’t got that player who can set the floor of the game, as I always call it, and dictate the pace, who defends but passes the ball forwards, and can see the pass.”
“These types of players are rare, which surprises me as on the face of it it’s not the most difficult job in the world, but it’s the most crucial.”**
“Who would I like to see in that position more?”
“I can’t think, honestly, because there’s too much hype around some of these players. Bring back Michael Carrick, maybe? There we go. He’d have done a job in this team!”
Via: TEAMtalk
Why the Red Devils should still sign the Englishman if possible?
Although those concerns are understandable, Manchester United would benefit from chasing Wharton. His intelligence in possession, positive spatial awareness and composure under pressure could resolve ongoing issues in central midfield.
The 21-year-old frequently breaks lines with forward passes, which would improve United’s build-up and transitions, enabling smoother progression from back to front. His preference for vertical movement and ability to link defence and attack would definitely match the team’s current tactical gaps.
While it’s not a point to ignore, that Wharton is still developing defensively, his anticipation and intensity in pressing would add value in and out of possession. Manchester United require a midfielder capable of controlling tempo and providing calmness on the ball; Wharton fits that need. So, it makes sense to us that the Red Devils back him, particularly if the club prioritises long-term stability over short-term risk.