United face “fierce battle” with Liverpool and Chelsea to land “majestic” January transfer target – report

Manchester United’s quest for a new midfielder ended in a whimper in the summer transfer window.

The Premier League giants were linked with multiple names for the job, including Carlos Baleba, Conor Gallagher, Morten Hjulmand, Angelo Stiller and Adam Wharton.

By the end of the transfer window, however, the only change in Ruben Amorim’s midfield from the previous season was the departure of Christian Eriksen as a free agent.

Recent reports, however, indicate that the Red Devils remain determined to reinforce the position in 2026, preferably in January.

A new midfielder remains Amorim’s priority

Amorim has four first-team options to address his midfield conundrum, with Bruno Fernandes, Casemiro, Manuel Ugarte, and Kobbie Mainoo in his roster for the position.

However, the Portuguese head coach apparently wants a new midfielder as soon as possible.

Brighton & Hove Albion’s Baleba remains the preferred option for the job, but the Seagulls are unlikely to sanction his departure in January.

TEAMtalk now report that Wharton is on the agenda again in January, but Liverpool, Chelsea, and Newcastle United could complicate matters for United.

The midfield orchestrator exploded onto the scene with Crystal Palace after arriving from Blackburn Rovers in 2024. The Red Devils have had their eyes on him ever since.

The 21 year old was apparently on Amorim’s radar as well this summer, although United baulked at the Eagles’ £60m asking price.

Wharton has the ingredients to succeed under Amorim

Composed, intelligent, and with exceptional passing abilities, Wharton’s qualities make him a great fit for Amorim’s midfield.

The Englishman is assured on the ball and has great positional awareness. That, perhaps, is why United’s rivals are lining up for his services as well.

Newcastle believe that the youngster could be a great partner for Bruno Guimaraes in midfield. Liverpool, meanwhile, are planning to add to their already impressive collection of midfielders.

Chelsea, on the other hand, have invested in talented young footballers of late, and Wharton fits their transfer strategy.

He could also provide cover for the likes of Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo in the middle of the park.

United have been keeping a close eye on the Englishman for months. They apparently see him as the ideal backbone for the future.

Interestingly, the Red Devils’ pursuit of Baleba could open the door for rivals to take advantage in the race for Wharton.

Crystal Palace would prefer to hold on to him until next summer. However, things could get spicier at the turn of the new year.

Featured image Matt McNulty via Getty Images

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