An intriguing update on Adam Wharton’s move to Manchester United has just landed, days after INEOS pulled the plug on the Carlos Baleba transfer.
Yes, United’s central midfield looked decent against Arsenal, but pre-season exposed a few cracks.
A Casemiro–Bruno Fernandes pivot appears to be the preferred partnership, yet with Casemiro’s age beginning to show, many feel it lacks the physicality required to execute Ruben Amorim’s tactical blueprint fully.
A Kobbie Mainoo–Manuel Ugarte pairing showed promise, but benching Fernandes, one of United’s most dangerous assets, is unlikely.
Fernandes is the kind of player who can single-handedly flip a match on its head. You win games with him on the pitch, not watching from the sidelines.
The hunt for Fernandes’ perfect partner
With Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo operating as No.10s, Fernandes now looks set to feature prominently in central midfield.
It is now up to United’s technical bench to identify the ideal partner for him.
Amorim reportedly wants a mobile midfielder, someone who covers ground effortlessly, remains composed both on and off the ball, and progresses play without hesitation.
Brighton & Hove Albion’s Baleba ticked every box with the Portuguese tactician earmarking him as the prototype.
But the move collapsed. INEOS deemed it too expensive to convince the Seagulls, who were insisting the midfielder is not for sale.
With Baleba out of reach, United explore alternatives
With the Baleba deal off the table, United were expected to pivot towards other options.
One such alternative is Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton.
Wharton epitomises the modern No.6. He dictates the midfield with ease, consistently delivers key and progressive passes, executes clean tackles, and reads space with precision.
He is the kind of midfielder a coach entrusts with the keys to the engine room.
Over the weekend, United dispatched scouts to Stamford Bridge to watch him against Chelsea.
He impressed, and many believed that performance would prompt United to initiate talks with Palace.
But while fans anticipated a swoop, fresh reports suggest the move may not materialise.
Wharton has made it clear: he intends to stay at Selhurst Park
On Wednesday, Sky Sports covered Palace’s training session at Beckenham.
TalkSPORT unpacked the live Sky Sports News segment, where reporter Gary Cotterill went live while standing near Adam Wharton and Eberechi Eze, both linked with potential exits.
The UK outlet reveals:
“Gary Cotterill was asked by the Sky Sports host to enquire with Wharton about his future.
“In response, Cotterill said within earshot of the Palace duo: ‘I’m not going to ask Adam Wharton about his future, no.’
“Cotterill’s reply prompted Eze to turn around and sport a wry smile.
“As for Wharton, he pulled up his sports vest and pointed to the Palace badge — a clear sign he plans to remain at Selhurst Park for the foreseeable future.”
Eberechi Eze was amused by Gary Cotterill’s update for Sky Sports News during Crystal Palace’s training session 😆 pic.twitter.com/vDPe1ALNL9
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) August 20, 2025
United’s midfield plans take a hit
With hopes still high that the 20-time English champions can land a marquee midfield signing, this update will concern United fans.
Wharton would have been as strong an addition as Baleba, and his arrival would have significantly boosted United’s transfer strategy.
Amorim’s dream pivot, as per The Sun, is the Baleba–Wharton pairing. Had the 21-year-old joined this summer, it would have marked a big win for the INEOS project, even without securing their top target.
Either way, with Wharton off the table, United must look elsewhere.
Fortunately, they still have quality alternatives, including Lucien Agoume, who could fit the bill.
Featured image Matt McNulty via Getty Images
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Daniel Onguko
Since Dan was introduced to Manchester United in 2008, he has lived and breathed the club. What started as being a fan evolved into writing about United, allowing him to feel part of their journey. Hopefully, his work might even help rekindle your love for the kings of Manchester.
