Adam Wharton has emerged as one of Manchester United’s targets for 2026 after becoming a key player in Crystal Palace’s midfield.
Manchester United opted not to sign a new midfielder in the summer, which means the long-standing issue was put on the back burner.
Carlos Baleba attracted interest from United before the start of the season, but Brighton demanded a transfer fee in the region of £100 million for the young midfielder.
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Baleba remains a target while the list has grown since the summer. United are aware of Adam Wharton’s price tag, and Ineos are not ruling out any moves for a midfielder in January.
That would suggest that Ruben Amorim has not settled on his midfield pairing of Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro.
With both players in their 30s, it doesn’t take a scientist to recognise the need for younger legs in the middle of the pitch, despite Kobbie Mainoo’s struggles.
Photo by Harry Murphy – Danehouse/Getty Images
Man Utd target Adam Wharton lists career objectives
Wharton will have no shortage of interest when the transfer window opens.
United and Real Madrid have been tipped to chase Wharton after winning the FA Cup with Crystal Palace last season.
The former Blackburn Rovers star, who joined Palace in 2023, was asked about his future and what objectives he has set himself.
“I think I can improve at everything on the ball, off the ball, communication on the pitch, off the pitch,” Wharton told Sky Sports.
“So that’s the list is endless for that.”
In the follow-up question, Wharton was asked about his ambitions when he revealed: “I’d say just play as many games as I can in the Premier League and try and reach the highest level possible.
“Obviously there’s a World Cup in the summer. Everyone wants to play at the World Cup. You’d be stupid if you didn’t.
“Champions League, everyone, if you can play Champions League, you want to play Champions League.”
Three players Man Utd signed from Crystal Palace
The two most notable players United signed directly from Crystal Palace were Wilfried Zaha and Aaron Wan-Bissaka.
Zaha was Sir Alex Ferguson’s final signing before announcing his retirement, but the winger failed to impress under David Moyes and was later sold.
Wan-Bissaka made 190 appearances for United before signing for West Ham last year.
Finally, Jack Butland joined United from Palace on loan in 2023.
Wharton could join that list by becoming the fourth player to join United from Palace, if a deal materialises in the coming year.
