Manchester United could do with midfield reinforcements in January given the options at Ruben Amorim’s disposal. What the Red Devils need most is fresh legs and more quality in the defensive midfield position. Casemiro is currently occupying the role but despite his impressive resurgence under Ruben Amorim, he no longer has the legs to operate week in and week out in the Premier League. In fact, the Brazilian has completed 90 minutes only once so far this season, and with his contract up in the summer, the club could do with a more long-term option. INEOS must have thought they had hit the jackpot when they signed Manuel Ugarte in 2024. However, the Uruguayan has been a major disappointment and his fortunes have not improved under his former Sporting CP boss. Adam Wharton bid submitted With Kobbie Mainoo linked with a January exit, it is imperative INEOS act fast. Carlos Baleba remains a top target, but his current form means the 20-time English league champions are unlikely to splash too much on him mid-season. Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson is another name on the club’s wishlist but his valuation, especially for a January move, is expected to be too much. Adam Wharton is another name on the club’s radar, and apart from United, the likes of Liverpool and Real Madrid are also chasing the England international. But as relayed by CaughtOffside, INEOS remain keen on beating the Merseyside club to the punch, and they have submitted a bid for him before the arch-rivals. Amorim feels he can convince the 21-year-old to join United instead. Too good to be true “A bid has been submitted for Adam Wharton. Ruben Amorim loves the player and believes he can sell the project to Adam before Liverpool contact the player.” The Palace star has been likened to United legend Michael Carrick for his impressive range of passing and his anticipation and game-reading intelligence. It makes a lot of sense for United to go after him, but after the club’s summer splurge, it is unlikely they can afford an all-out transfer battle with Liverpool for Adam Wharton. Should he remain at Selhurst Park this season, United will likely go after him in the summer. But for now, Amorim is unlikely to receive much help in the market unless an emergency crops up. Feature image Matt McNulty via Getty Images The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social Ayantan Chowdhury After failing to become a professional footballer, Ayantan switched to the next best thing: writing about the greatest football club in the world. He has extensive sports journalism experience, having worked for over 10 years in the Indian sports media industry, writing for the biggest newspapers and websites. Currently an editor at The Peoples Person. You can follow him on X: @ayantanc_25





