Manchester United splashed the cash over the summer to fix some problem positions, but the window slammed shut without a new midfielder arriving at Old Trafford.
Ruben Amorim will have been frustrated, as the middle of the park is an area desperately in need of improvement, but the Red Devils seemed content to hold out for a major target to become available.
Wharton high on the list
The headlines were dominated by United’s interest in Brighton and Hove Albion midfielder Carlos Baleba, who appears to be the club’s number one priority.
But not much further down the wish list is Adam Wharton, who has been pulling up trees at Crystal Palace.
United reportedly made a late enquiry for the player before the end of the transfer window, and are already said to be preparing a blockbuster bid for the 21-year-old in January.
Update from Fabrizio Romano
But speaking on his YouTube channel today, respected journalist Fabrizio Romano delivered a dose of realism about the player.
He said: “I don’t think now is the time to say that he is going to move for sure in 2026, the focus of the player is on Crystal Palace, is on playing every single game, is on being an important player for Oliver Glasner and for Crystal Palace as they play European football.”
Romano was clear that Wharton has one major goal in mind this season, which is to feature at the World Cup next year after making his international debut in June. This, he believes, is part of the reason why neither the player nor his club even entertained a move away from Selhurst Park in recent months.
Focus on World Cup
“I think if something happens, it’s going to be after the World Cup, but for sure, now, the focus of the player is on Crystal Palace,” Romano said. “He didn’t want to move this summer, and he was not pushing for a move, because he’s fully focused on Palace.
“Then in 2026 I would not be surprised if something happens, because Premier League clubs, but also clubs in Spain, including Real Madrid, are monitoring the boy, and so let’s see what’s going to happen. But again, this is not a topic for today or for tomorrow.”
A big-money move in January always felt unlikely, and United are keeping other options open, notably Baleba and Chelsea’s Romeo Lavia.
But if Wharton is deemed the best fit it would not be a surprise to see INEOS hold off until they can complete a deal for the talented youngster.
Featured image Matt McNulty via Getty Images
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Joe Ponting
Joe has spent more than half his life writing about football and all of it following United. As a child he told a doctor his name was ‘Paul Scholes’, but could never pick a pass like him no matter how much he tried.
