Manchester United are in need of a midfield revamp next summer given the fact that this campaign is likely to be both Casemiro and Christian Eriksen’s final one in red.
Ruben Amorim has hardly offered the Brazilian chances, mentioning his lack of intensity as a reason with his cameo against FCSB his first appearance in over a month.
The Dane has started back-to-back Europa League games but his contract ends in the summer and there are no plans of offering him a new deal while the head coach was seemingly open to his departure in the winter window.
According to Teamtalk, the Red Devils are looking at Adam Wharton of Crystal Palace to help fill the void. They will be scouting the Eagles ace during the second-half of the season before proceeding with a formal offer.
United to scout Wharton following injury return
The 21-year-old has been on the club’s radar since his Blackburn Rovers days and an approach was likely given his initial form for Oliver Glasner’s side but a recent groin injury and subsequent surgery has meant further observation will be required to assess the Englishman’s suitability.
United will not be the only Premier League side who will keep a close watch on the England international with Manchester City and Newcastle also joining the race for the “incredible” midfield talent.
Palace parted with £18 million to land him last year and they are in no rush to move him on and will be looking to earn a hefty profit next summer given the interest he has generated.
“Manchester United are still interested in Adam Wharton, TEAMtalk understands, with sources telling us Crystal Palace’s stance on selling the midfielder and also naming two other major Premier League clubs who are keen.
“The England international was expected to raise his game even more this season, but a groin problem saw him undergo surgery which has affected his progress and development. Wharton is back to full fitness now and is expected to play a big role for Palace in the second half of the season.
“TEAMtalk understands that Man Utd are planning to keep tabs on Wharton in the coming weeks and months and assess how the English youngster does.
City, Newcastle also in the race
“However, sources have told us that it is not just Man Utd who are going to scout Wharton. Defending Premier League champions Manchester City and top-four hopefuls Newcastle United are also planning to watch Wharton in the second half of the season with a view to a potential move in the summer of 2025.”
Wharton can play as a defensive midfielder as well as further forward if required with his reading of the game praised by many, which eventually saw former Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate offer him his national team debut in 2024.
The 20-time English league champions can certainly do with someone of his talents and his homegrown status would also be something INEOS would prefer.
A potential midfield partnership with Kobbie Mainoo could form the team’s bedrock for years to come, a salivating prospect to say the least.
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Ayantan Chowdhury
Ayantan has worked for 10 years in the Indian sports media industry, writing for the biggest newspapers and websites but his heart was always set on writing about his favourite club. Currently an editor at The Peoples Person. You can follow him on X: @ayantanc_25
