Ruben Amorim’s hunt for a midfielder did not pan out in the summer, with INEOS focusing on improving the attack instead.
The Portuguese had asked the co-owners to try and sign Carlos Baleba from Brighton and Hove Albion, but his valuation proved to be beyond United’s reach.
There have been murmurs that the Red Devils could come back for the 21-year-old in January, but the Seagulls are unlikely to offer too much of a discount.
Another thing to keep in mind is the Cameroonian’s form. Since being linked with a move to Old Trafford in the summer, the former Lille ace is yet to complete 90 minutes in a single game this season.
Baleba form concerns
Brighton boss Fabian Hürzeler has spoken of how much those rumours have affected the defensive midfielder, and his inability to handle the pressure has given United’s policy makers pause.
As per i News, INEOS hierarchy now feel Adam Wharton of Crystal Palace suits their requirements down to the T, with the England international quietly going about his business despite links with United, Liverpool, and Real Madrid.
On top of that, he is a superior playmaker as compared to Baleba, with Wharton’s passing ability compared with former United great Michael Carrick.
Whether the Eagles will sell remains to be seen, with recent reports suggesting they are keen to tie him down on a new long-term deal. The Englishman, however, wants a release clause to be included so that he can join a top club in the future.
“Adam Wharton has overtaken Carlos Baleba on Manchester United’s list of transfer targets. Ruben Amorim is understood to be an admirer of the directness to the Crystal Palace midfielder’s game – when Wharton gets an opportunity to pass forward, rather than sideways, he more often than not goes for it.
Wharton’s superior playmaking skills
“Baleba has been a long-term target to revolutionise United’s midfield, but the Brighton midfielder’s inauspicious start to the season has convinced some at the Premier League’s most successful club to explore a move for a different profile of player altogether – and Wharton fits the bill.
“Sources have told The i Paper that Wharton’s effortless ascendancy, along with the fact Baleba seems to struggle with the attention, having not completed a single full 90 minutes for Brighton this term, has caused several senior United figures to rethink their shortlist.
“One insider compared Wharton to how Michael Carrick approached the game, someone who remains a popular figure around Old Trafford.
Now for Amorim to choose
“A calming influence, a midfielder on a different level with the ball at his feet wouldn’t go amiss right now,” the insider says. “Baleba can get about the pitch more, but does he possess Wharton’s quality on the ball? The club could do with the latter.”
While the Brighton star’s energy would be a huge boost, the 20-time English league champions could do with an orchestrator at the base of their midfield, with Bruno Fernandes having too much to do at the moment.
The final cost of the operation is likely to decide who ends up coming to the Theatre of Dreams, whether that be Adam Wharton or Carlos Baleba.
Feature image Matt McNulty via Getty Images
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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
