Manchester United ‘want to sign’ £70m star from Premier League rivals this summer, he can unlock Kobbie Mainoo

Manchester United are reportedly looking to sign a £70m-rated Premier League player this summer who could be the answer to Rúben Amorim’s Kobbie Mainoo problem.

Manchester United are expected to make midfield reinforcements a top priority this summer as Rúben Amorim aims to fix the team’s ongoing problems in the middle of the park.

A lack of creativity has been a recurring theme throughout the season, with United often struggling to break down opponents and rarely scoring more than once in a game. Their form at Old Trafford has only added to the growing concerns over midfield control and consistency.

The club allowed several players to leave on loan last month, including Antony to Real Betis, Marcus Rashford to Aston Villa, and Ethan Wheatley to Walsall for the remainder of the campaign.

Further departures are expected at the end of the season, with Christian Eriksen out of contract and Casemiro no longer seen as part of the club’s long-term plans.

As a result, United are preparing for a busy summer in the transfer market, targeting midfielders who align with Amorim’s philosophy and can bring renewed energy, balance, and creativity to the squad.

United interest in Wharton is growing

Earlier this year, news broke that United were eyeing a potential move for Crystal Palace star Adam Wharton, who has impressed since he signed for the London-based club last season.

According to a fresh report from TeamTalk, United are said to be one of two clubs building up to launch a bid for the 21-year-old this summer amid the potential departure of Casemiro.

Amorim’s team are said to be tracking Wharton alongside cross-town rivals Manchester City and view him as a player who could develop into the next Declan Rice, who United famously missed out on two years ago.

Although Palace are keen to keep hold of Wharton, a report from the Daily Mail earlier this month stated that Crystal Palace see him as a player worth £70 million amid interest from Real Madrid.

The answer to Amorim’s Mainoo problem?

While Wharton would no doubt come into United’s set-up as a long-term replacement for Casemiro, he would also serve as a potential fix to Amorim’s current conundrum with Kobbie Mainoo.

The 19-year-old has so far failed to bed himself into Amorim’s system at United after inconsistent displays and injuries have kept him out of the team, but there is no doubting the qualities that Mainoo possesses.

A significant reason for Mainoo’s struggles when he has played is the amount of ground he has had to cover in the middle of the park while defending, which is not his strong suit.

Wharton currently plays within a 3-4-3 system at Crystal Palace and is well versed in the defensive arts in Oliver Glasner’s midfield should he sign for United, he may be a perfect partner for Mainoo.

Wharton and Mainoo are known to be good friends having struck up a strong bond during the 2024 European Championships with England, and both players are touted to be the future of Thomas Tuchel’s midfield long-term.

Should United splash the £70 million for Wharton this summer, they may also hand Amorim a step closer to unleashing the full potential of Mainoo at Old Trafford.