Manchester United have been linked to Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton in 2026 but his performance at Old Trafford should put Ineos off.
Sunday’s Premier League clash at Old Trafford was a golden opportunity for Adam Wharton to impress amid rumours of Manchester United’s transfer interest.
United view Wharton as an ideal midfield target for the summer rebuild, and the Palace midfielder is expected to be on the market this summer.
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Anderson or Wharton graphic
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Reports suggest Wharton will cost around £65m this summer as part of a gentleman’s agreement with Palace to join a Champions League club.
United’s 2-1 win over Palace at Old Trafford means Champions League qualification is very much on the cards, but Ineos should be looking at alternatives to Wharton.
Manchester United v Crystal Palace - Premier League
Photo by Sebastian Frej/Getty Images
Adam Wharton disappointed vs Man United
Playing at Old Trafford is a perfect chance to assess whether or not a transfer target is capable of stepping up and performing on the big stage.
Wharton shrugged off United links earlier this season, but it seemed the occasion affected his play on Sunday afternoon.
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As per SofaScore, Wharton got a 6.3 rating for his performance – the lowest of any Palace player who started the match.
Did Adam Wharton just end his chances of signing for Man United with that performance?
Adam Wharton had an afternoon to forget at Old Trafford…
Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton graphic vs Man United
Credit: Getty Images
In his 68 minutes on the pitch, Wharton only managed 30 touches of the ball, and he had a pass completion rate of just 81%.
Wharton lost possession five times and failed to complete a single dribble. It was an underwhelming performance from the English midfielder, and he was hooked by Oliver Glasner in the second half.
Why Man United don’t need Adam Wharton
Wharton is just one of United’s several midfield targets on Ineos’ radar approaching the summer window.
There is no denying that the 22-year-old is a huge talent, but United need a replacement for Casemiro and Wharton is not the right profile.
READ MORE: Man Utd fans all saying same thing about ‘world-class’ Bruno Fernandes after impact performance vs Crystal Palace
Wharton is similar to Kobbie Mainoo in terms of player profile, thriving with the ball at his feet with calm and composure in possession.
United need a midfield destroyer and that’s why Elliot Anderson is United’s top target. The Nottingham Forest star leads the Premier League in duels won and that’s exactly what United need as Mainoo’s partner.
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