Manchester United have been linked with a transfer interest in the midfielder who was in action for Crystal Palace on Thursday night.
Adam Wharton reacts to his side conceding during the UEFA Conference League 2025/26 League Phase MD4 match between Strasbourg and Crystal Palace FC.
Adam Wharton suffered disappointment in Crystal Palace's UEFA Conference League clash against Strasbourg.
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Manchester United transfer target Adam Wharton had a moment to forget in Crystal Palace’s UEFA Conference League clash, with the midfielder missing an open goal.
Palace travelled to take on French side Strasbourg in the group stage of the competition on Thursday night. They took the lead through Tyrick Mitchell in the 35th minute, but were pegged back in the second half by Emanuel Emegha.
With the scoreline locked at 1-1, Wharton, who replaced Will Hughes in the first half, had the chance to regain the lead for his side. The England man intercepted a bad touch from Strasbourg’s Ismael Doukoure, and with the goalkeeper out of position, had an open goal to aim at.
However, he lifted his shot a bit too high and the ball rebounded off the bar. Strasbourg were then able to clear the ball for a corner.
Wharton would have regretted the missed chance, with Samir El Mourabet making it 2-1 to Strasbourg in the 77th minute. That is how the scoreline stayed, leaving Palace in 18th place in the UEFA Conference League table.
While Palace are in European action, United will be stepping up their preparations for the weekend’s meeting with the Eagles in the Premier League.
Adam Wharton missed an open goal for Crystal Palace.
Adam Wharton missed an open goal for Crystal Palace.
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Ruben Amorim’s side travel to Selhurst Park on Sunday afternoon (12pm kick-off). The game will allow them to take a closer look at Wharton amid talk of transfer interest in the midfielder.
United are keen to strengthen their midfield options either in January or in next summer’s window.
Wharton is one name reportedly on the list of targets, which also includes Brighton’s Carlos Baleba and Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson.
Like Wharton, Anderson has also been in European action this week. He came on as a second-half substitute in Forest’s 3-0 win over Swedish side Malmo, but was shown a yellow card less than 10 minutes after entering the pitch.
Speaking earlier this month, Wharton addressed speculation over his future. He said: "I don't really look into it or think too much about it.
Adam Wharton of England looks on during the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match between Albania and England
Adam Wharton has become an England regular in the squad
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"There are always rumours floating about on social media. Is it true? Is it not? You tell me.
"My friends, my family, my brothers, everyone will message me and be like, 'Is it true this club's interested?' I’m like, 'Thanks for telling me because I didn't know.'"
He added: "I don't know who's spreading it or who at United is looking at it. I see it and I'm like, 'OK', and then I carry on with my day.
"United, the big teams, they're all linked to 10, 20 different players. If I'm one of 20, then it's nothing special, so it doesn't really mean too much. I speak with my agent about planning ahead and possibilities.
"But at the end of the day, it is who's interested and who's willing to try and get you and if that becomes the case? You can speak about it, but you've got to represent that on the pitch and prove that you deserve it."