United will become prime contenders to land silky operator if Amorim achieves this target – report

Manchester United’s hunt for the perfect midfield addition has taken another turn as per the latest reports. Carlos Baleba was believed to be Ruben Amorim’s first choice to come in and replace Casemiro, but the Brighton star’s form has nosedived this season. As a result, INEOS have moved on to other targets, with Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton now higher up on the list of potential targets. The Red Devils are not the only ones looking at the Englishman, with Liverpool among his suitors. But the 21-year-old reportedly prefers a move to Old Trafford. Adam Wharton would have been the perfect fit However, journalist Ben Jacobs (via Tribuna) has now stated there is a huge stumbling block for the 20-time English league champions to overcome if they are to land the England international. The former Blackburn Rovers ace wants to play in the Champions League next season, and as things stand, the 20-time English league champions remain far away from the top-four spots. “Adam Wharton is in the Liam Delap category – he wants a club with Champions League football. “If Manchester United get it, it would put them as strong contenders for Adam Wharton come 2026.” He wants CL football, currently looking unlikely for United INEOS saw the likes of Delap, Viktor Gyokeres move elsewhere due to United’s failure to win the Europa League last season. Amorim wants players who want to play for the badge instead of stars asking to come only to play in specific competitions. Hopefully, Amorim can inspire the team this term. Currently, the three-time Champions League winners are 10th in the table, three points off fourth spot. Apart from Adam Wharton, United are also looking at Elliot Anderson, and Ederson. Amorim needs help in the winter, but none of the top targets are expected to move mid-season. Which is why low-cost alternatives like Joao Gomes, Conor Gallagher, and Ruben Neves are also being monitored ahead of the January window. 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