Manchester United’s interest in signing Adam Wharton is common knowledge, but he’s not even the Crystal Palace player who should be signed in 2026.
The success of Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha at Old Trafford this season has made it clear that Premier League proven is a worthwhile recruitment plan.
Due to this, Manchester United look likely to repeat this in 2026 with so much talent now in the Premier League and potentially available to sign next summer across problem positions.
Adam Wharton has been linked in midfield, but Elliot Anderson is probably the target number one for United in the summer transfer window.
Therefore, this weekend at Selhurst Park, it should instead be two other Eagles who should be on the target list for United.
Adam Wharton and Daniel Munoz celebrate for Crystal Palace.
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Manchester United should be closely watching Crystal Palace duo instead of Adam Wharton
Wharton will be in the spotlight against United at Selhurst Park this weekend, but he isn’t the ideal midfield signing for United, lacking the power and athleticism that Ruben Amorim would ideally want.
So when United face Palace, there should instead be a focus on potentially two of Wharton’s teammates in Daniel Munoz and Marc Guehi.
Do you agree with the United In Focus writer predictions for Man Utd vs Palace? Let us know yours…
Adnan Riaz: “2-1 to United, we must win this match and send a statement of intent ð¥”
Dale O’Donnell: “2-1 to United, Ruben Amorim needs a response from his players ðª”
Dan Coombs: “1-1 draw, United to take the lead and then blow it ð”
Jonny Maze: “3-2 to United, the players should be raring to get back on track ð”
Sean Fisher: “1-1 draw, the recent record vs Palace is not a pretty sight ð®”
Vatsal Gupta: “2-1 to United, Palace will be tired from midweek ð´”
Manchester United players celebrate scoring vs Tottenham.
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United have been interested in Guehi and are still keen on the Palace captain heading into 2026, when he could be available for cheap or even free.
Guehi is a born leader, and with the possible exit of Casemiro and Harry Maguire, he would be an excellent addition, replacing the leadership lost and also immediately upgrading the back three.
A trio of Guehi, Matthijs de Ligt and Leny Yoro would be arguably the best in the league, and it is hard to see a weakness, with all three very well-rounded and capable of front-foot and back-foot defending.
Additionally, Munoz would also be an excellent signing, offering strong attacking qualities down the right.
The Colombian wouldn’t start over Amad, but as a replacement for Diogo Dalot, it is a clear upgrade in terms of what Amorim demands from his wing-backs.
Munoz has taken the Premier League by storm since his move in 2024, but seems ready to take the next step in his career.
Manchester United missed out on the best possible signing from Crystal Palace
While Guehi and Munoz would be top additions, and so would Wharton, United failed to sign the best of Palace over the past few years.
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Manchester United FC v Crystal Palace FC - Premier League
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United failed to sign Michael Olise in 2024, as he joined Bayern Munich instead and has been incredible for the Bavarian side ever since.
Likewise, United were linked with Eberechi Eze in 2025 before he ultimately joined Arsenal and last week scored a hat-trick in the North London Derby.
Seeing how the best of Palace have fared after taking a step up should encourage Wilcox that it is a good place to go shopping, despite the disaster of Wilfried Zaha over a decade ago.