(Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba has reportedly been overtaken by Adam Wharton on Manchester United’s midfield shortlist.
While the Red Devils didn’t go all in for a new midfielder last summer, they did enquire about the Cameroonian before swiftly ending their pursuit after learning that Brighton were seeking a figure above £100 million.
It was later suggested that the Premier League giants would try again in 2026. However, a report from The i Paper claims that the club’s plans may have already changed.
Ruben Amorim prefers Adam Wharton over Carlos Baleba
As the source explains, Baleba’s underwhelming start to the season with the Seagulls raised alarm bells at Carrington, as the Man Utd directors now have doubts about the 21-year-old.
On the other hand, Ruben Amorim has been mesmerised by Wharton’s vertical passes and seamless ability to advance the play. Therefore, the Crystal Palace star is now considered United’s No.1 target to bolster the middle of the park.
But while a January move remains unlikely due to the Eagles’ desire to maintain one of their main pillars, MUFC are expected to launch an onslaught for Wharton next summer.
The report adds that sources inside the club have likened the young England international to Man Utd legend Michael Carrick. Moreover, Arsenal star Declan Rice had hailed him for his ‘outstanding’ abilities.
Would Wharton be enough for Man United?
In recent weeks, it has been revealed that Wharton and Palace had struck a gentleman’s agreement that would allow the player to leave the club in the summer of 2026 for the right price, but it remains to be seen what figure the FA Cup winners would deem acceptable.
| Stats in 25/26 (per DataMB) | Carlos Baleba | Adam Wharton |
| Minutes played | 377 | 493 |
| Progressive carries | 35.0 | 26.7 |
| Possession won | 74.6 | 37.2 |
| Progressive passes | 6.1 | 82.7 |
| Key passes | 0.2 | 92.8 |
But while Wharton would be an excellent addition to the squad, it should be said that United are in dire need of a midfield enforcer like Baleba, especially amidst the not-entirely-convincing displays of Casemiro and Manuel Ugarte.
Therefore, the club’s supporters will be hoping for a major midfield overhaul next summer, similar to the attacking revamp conducted earlier this year.
