As seen in recent seasons, Manchester United haven’t been afraid to splash the cash in the transfer market, in an attempt to return to their former glory.
The hierarchy have spent over £800m on new additions since the summer of 2022 alone, but so far, their investment has been to no avail - as seen by their recent Premier League finishes.
In the last two seasons, the Red Devils have finished eighth and 15th, with the majority of the money spent on new players massively going to waste.
Man Utd
However, current boss Michael Carrick appears to be getting a tune out of the options at his disposal, as seen by the recent victories over bitter rivals Manchester City and Arsenal.
It remains to be seen if the 44-year-old will be handed the managerial job on a permanent basis, but it hasn’t stopped the hierarchy from identifying potential new additions.
Man Utd target huge move for Premier League sensation
In an attempt to bolster the midfield department, United have once again been mentioned as one of the clubs interested in a move for Crystal Palace star Adam Wharton.
It’s been reported this week that the Red Devils have once again commenced talks with the Eagles over a possible move to land the England international this summer.
Crystal Palace's Adam Wharton reacts after the match
However, the 21-year-old isn’t just wanted by Carrick’s men at present, with Liverpool threatening to scupper the £65m move for his signature in the near future.
Wharton isn’t the only Premier League star currently in the sights of the Red Devils, with Chelsea star Cole Palmer another option who could be considered by the board.
According to The Sun, the England international is open to joining if United show interest. Indeed, it's alleged that Palmer is homesick in London and wants a return to Manchester.
The report also states that he’s not keen on a move back to Manchester City, with the boyhood Red Devils fan potentially eyeing up a move to Old Trafford in the near future.
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It further confirms that director of football Jason Wilcox could hold the key to any move, with the 54-year-old previously at City when the 23-year-old broke into the senior ranks.
Previous reports have suggested could ask for around £120m if they are to sell their prised asset.
Why Palmer would be an upgrade on Bruno for United
Despite the recent struggles in the transfer market, Bruno Fernandes has been one of the best additions over the last couple of years, with his numbers showcasing his remarkable form at United.
Bruno-Fernandes-Man-Utd-Wolves
The Portuguese international arrived in a £47m deal from Sporting CP back in the winter of 2020, with the attacking midfielder largely being an unknown quantity to many supporters.
However, six years on, the 31-year-old has cemented himself as one of the club’s most influential players, as seen by his role as club captain.
Away from his leadership, he’s often produced the goods within the final third, as seen by his tally of 103 goals and 94 assists across all competitions to date.
Carrick’s appointment has seen him return to a more natural number ten role in recent matches, but that could be about to change with any possible deal to land Palmer in the near future.
Bruno-Fernandes-Man-Utd (3)
The Chelsea star is currently one of the country's biggest talents, with any deal likely to cost a pretty penny - but it’s one that could set the club up for future success.
Replacing Bruno with the 23-year-old may not be a popular decision with the fanbase, but it’s a move that would see the club land an upgrade - based on their respective Premier League stats in 2023/24.
Palmer, who’s been dubbed “world-class” by Jamie Redknapp, registered more goals and assists that season, whilst also posting a higher shot-on-target accuracy rate.
Such numbers showcase his added threat within the final third, something which Bruno has become known for - but it’s evident that the Chelsea star is a level above in that regard.
How Palmer & Bruno compared in the PL (2023/24)
Statistics (per 90)
Games played
Goals & assists
Shots on target
Pass accuracy
Chances created
Dribble success
Touches in 18-yard box
Duels won
Shot on target accuracy
Stats via FotMob
He also managed to create more chances per 90, whilst finding a teammate with more of the passes he attempted - subsequently having an advantage over the Portuguese star in such an area.
All the aforementioned figures showcase why Palmer is a better all-round option within the final third, which is something Carrick would no doubt want to add to his current United squad.
However, the Chelsea star also managed to complete more of the take-ons he attempted, whilst also winning more of the duels he entered - reaffirming why he’s a better all-round option.
It’s unclear how much a deal for Palmer would cost the Red Devils, but it’s evident that such a move would massively improve the options currently available in the final third.
Cole Palmer
The move could cause some controversy given his time at rivals Manchester City, but should he make the same impact at Old Trafford - his time at the Etihad would no doubt be forgotten.
As for Bruno, the move could potentially push him further down the pecking order, but it’s a move that should be completed, with the youngster having all the tools to replace the captain in the long-term.
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