Manchester United have been encouraged to sign another Roy Keane and Bryan Robson
Adam Wharton of Crystal Palace before the Premier League 2026/27 match between Fulham and Crystal Palace FC
Adam Wharton is one of the Premier League's most in-demand young midfielders(Image: Getty)
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Gary Pallister reckons Manchester United should sign Adam Wharton. He likens the promising midfielder to two of his former team-mates: Roy Keane and Bryan Robson.
With the transfer window now shut, Michael Carrick's squad for at least the first half of the season is set. In terms of senior signings, four were sanctioned, with the club's midfield completely revamped after Casemiro's exit.
Andrey Santos was signed from Chelsea for £50million and he was soon joined by back-up goalkeeper Karl Darlow and ex-Aston Villa playmaker Youri Tielemans. The final addition was a landmark one, as Carlos Baleba joined from Brighton in a deal that could rise to £70m.
So far this campaign, United have lost to Hull City 2-0, defeated Ipswich Town 5-2 and been held by Everton in a dramatic 2-2 draw. Their latest outing saw them put Champions League minnows Sabah FK to the sword 4-0.
But Pallister, who made 437 appearances for United, believes that despite his old club making three midfield signings, improvements are still needed. Crystal Palace ace Wharton is the player he wants United to sign, as he sees a couple of his legendary ex-team-mates in the 22-year-old Englishman.
Former Manchester United player Gary Pallister in the stands during the UEFA Europa League 2024/25 Quarter Final Second Leg match between Manchester United and Olympique Lyonnais at Old Trafford
Pallister is a fan of Wharton(Image: Getty)
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Speaking to Betarades.gr, Pallister said: "Wharton is not afraid of hard work, first and foremost. When you look at players, hunger would be the first thing you are looking for — the desire to do the hard work and not only the pretty stuff.
"I was very fortunate to play with players like Roy Keane and Bryan Robson and they were incredible at doing just that. They were both going forward and back.
"They were doing the hard work and that's what I am seeing in Adam Wharton as well. I am not saying he is not a good passer, because he is and he is very clever with the ball. He is not one-dimensional and he has a creative side to his game as well.
"He ticks a lot of boxes. It looks like Elliot Anderson is slightly ahead of him for England at the moment, but I still think Wharton is an exciting prospect and he will end up in a big club eventually."
Adam Wharton of Crystal Palace FC lifts the trophy during the award ceremony following the UEFA Conference League 2025/26 final football match between Crystal Palace FC and Rayo Vallecano de Madrid
The Englishman stayed at Palace this summer despite being linked with a host of top clubs(Image: Getty)
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An abundance of big-name midfield talent changed allegiances during the summer window. Anderson, mentioned by Pallister, joined Manchester City from Nottingham Forest for £116m.
City also signed Chelsea's Enzo Fernandez for a record-equalling £125m, whilst Tottenham snapped up both Sandro Tonali for £100m. They also recruited Mateus Fernandes for £85m.
But Palace stood firm in their stance that Wharton was not for sale and so he stayed put at Selhurst Park. Conference League winner Wharton is expected to attract interest when the winter window opens, however, and United have long been linked with a move.