Jason Wilcox has agreed a deal with a fan-favourite behind the scenes. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)
Manchester United will be primarily focused on strengthening their midfield department next summer, with Carlos Baleba and Adam Wharton emerging as the two most exciting names on the shortlist.
In the summer of 2025, INEOS pulled off a major attacking overhaul. They brought in Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko, while offloading members of the so-called ‘bomb squad’.
The Red Devils also signed Belgian goalkeeper Senne Lammens on deadline day, but they didn’t have sufficient funds to bolster other departments.
In his most recent appearance on The United Stand, Ben Jacobs revealed that Ruben Amorim had also requested the signing of a midfielder and a wingback, but Jason Wilcox and Co. weren’t able to satisfy these two demands.
“I think there is a STRONG possibility that TWO come in, could that be Wharton & Baleba? ABSOLUTELY!” 🔥 pic.twitter.com/svgGAHCUPm
— The United Stand (@UnitedStandMUFC) September 25, 2025
Carlos Baleba & Adam Wharton can both join Man Utd next summer
As the journalist explains, Man Utd were unable to address every issue in one transfer window, so the manager’s requests were delayed until the summer of 2026.
In the meantime, United continue to be linked with several midfielders, including Baleba and Wharton. The Cameroonian was the first name on the club’s shortlist last summer, but Brighton were only willing to negotiate figures north of £100 million.
On the other hand, the England international has been on the radar of several top clubs, but he ended up staying at Crystal Palace. Nevertheless, Wharton’s chances of leaving the Eagles at the end of the season seem high, especially thanks to a reported gentleman’s agreement.
Nevertheless, Jacobs believes that MUFC might not necessarily have to pick between the two 21-year-old Premier League stars, as they could ‘absolutely’ sign both of them.
Would Man United sacrifice Bruno or Mainoo for exciting young duo?
As the transfer market insider explains, this exciting possibility largely hinges on departures. While Casemiro should certainly leave once his contract expires next summer, another United midfielder might have to make way for the incoming duo.
This could be either club captain Bruno Fernandes, who remains a highly sought-after profile in the Saudi Pro League, or Kobbie Mainoo, who has yet to establish himself as a regular starter in Amorim’s plans.
But while Man Utd fans would be loath to lose either one, linking up Wharton and Baleba in the double pivot is certainly an exciting thought, as the Englishman’s vision and technical skills would seamlessly complement the Cameroonian’s physical strength and stamina.
