“A bit soft”: Keane questions potential midfield United target and advises him to do what he used to do

Manchester United are keen to bolster their midfield department over the next couple of transfer windows. Potential targets The Red Devils have been linked to a plethora of options with many plying their trade in the Premier League. Brighton and Hove Albion’s Carlos Baleba is said to be very high up the list and United tried to sign the Cameroonian last summer. Another player who is moving up the list with significant velocity is Elliot Anderson at Nottingham Forest after his impressive season so far. United are also reportedly keen on Wolverhampton Wanderers’ Joao Gomes , especially if his current side get relegated this season. Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton has also been regularly scouted by United and former Red Devil Rio Ferdinand has urged the club to do a deal for the England international. Roy Keane criticism One pundit who is seemingly not totally convinced by Wharton is former United captain Roy Keane. Speaking on ITV (via The Daily Mail) Keane claimed Wharton needs to demand the ball more if he is to become England’s regular starting central midfielder. Commenting on the situation he explained, “I do like Adam Wharton. A lot of the modern midfielders, their first option seems to be ‘can I go sideways or backwards?’ What I like about him, the first option he seems to look at it is ‘can I pass it forward?’ and that’s a big strength to have.” In spite of the positivity, Keane did elaborate where Wharton can improve. He added, “this is where he can mature over the next year or two if he’s playing at the top level, put demands onto people. He’s a bit soft there. Shout at players, go ‘give me the ball!’. That’s what I used to do, I used to fall out with people a lot. ‘Give me the ball!’ Put demands on your team-mates.” Keane continued, “he’s still new to it, so I’m not going to be too harsh on him. But as he matures and starts playing more games, put demands on your team-mates.” Adam Wharton 25/26 season Crystal Palace stats PlayerAppearancesGoalsAssistsMinutes played Adam Wharton15011,100 Source: transfermarkt.com Featured 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 Alex Browne Alex is a huge Manchester United fan, inspired by greats of his homeland such as George Best, Harry Gregg and Norman Whiteside. Alex has a Master’s degree from Queen’s University Belfast and La Universitat Rovira i Virgili in Tarragona, Spain. Having lived in the country since 2011, Alex is The Peoples Person’s Spanish football expert and is fluent in both Spanish and Catalan. He dreams of witnessing a United captain triumphantly hoisting the Premier League and Champions League trophy in the air once more.