Manchester United fans will have watched Adam Wharton’s performance closely given the swirling rumours of transfer interest.
The Red Devils want to improve their midfield options in 2026 and Adam Wharton is a top target.
The 21-year-old midfielder ranks highly on Manchester United’s shopping list alongside Premier League stars such as Carlos Baleba and Elliot Anderson.
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Adam Wharton playing against Albania for England.
Photo by Eddie Keogh – The FA/The FA via Getty Images
Paul Scholes has urged United to sign Wharton over United’s other options. He has become a key player at Palace as well as an England regular under Thomas Tuchel.
On Sunday, United beat Palace 2-1 at Selhurst Park, and naturally, there was plenty of attention on how Wharton performed.
Adam Wharton in action for Crystal Palace.
Photo by Jacques Feeney/Offside/Offside via Getty Images
How Adam Wharton performed against Man United
Interestingly, Baleba failed to impress against United in a match many considered an audition. In contrast, midfield target Elliot Anderson was superb against United during the 2-2 draw at the City Ground.
Wharton ended up on the losing side against United, but there was still plenty to like about his performance.
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Infographic of Adam Wharton match stats vs Manchester United.
Infographic of Adam Wharton match stats vs Manchester United.
As per SofaScore, Wharton boasted an 82% pass completion rate, and he won five of his seven duels in midfield.
With United and Palace lining up in identical 3-4-3 formations, Wharton often found himself in a one-vs-one situation against Casemiro in midfield – the man he would likely replace if he joined United.
Casemiro outshone Adam Wharton
In 2024, United lost 4-0 to Crystal Palace and Casemiro had a nightmare performance at Selhurst Park.
It was after that match that Jamie Carragher famously told Casemiro to ‘leave the football, before the football leaves you’.
READ MORE:Rio Ferdinand recalls Jamie Carragher’s premature Casemiro judgement, ‘highly disrespectful…’
This season, the Brazilian has been rejuvenated and, if anything, United have been over-reliant on Casemiro in midfield.
Against Palace, Casemiro actually got the better of Wharton in midfield, taking 65 touches of the ball (18 more than Wharton).
He matched Wharton’s seven ball recoveries, won more duels (7/15), completed more interceptions and dribbles, and had fewer unsuccessful touches.