Manchester United now look set to stay clear of Carlos Baleba and pivot their interest to a Michael Carrick-type central midfielder.
Towards the end of the summer transfer window, Manchester United appeared to be heavily interested in a move for Brighton and Hove Albion’s Carlos Baleba, who many thought would be the perfect option for Rúben Amorim’s midfield.
However, United appeared to be priced out of a deal for the Cameroonian and looked set to return in the following summer. His start to this season has been much worse than his form last campaign, but many still feel he would be a good signing for the Red Devils.
Signing a new midfielder is crucial for Jason Wilcox as Casemiro and Manuel Ugarte are still struggling to play alongside Bruno Fernandes, despite a promising pre-season under Amorim.
United will be looking for one in the January transfer window, but a first-choice defensive midfielder may have to wait until the summer if clubs are demanding a high fee.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s recent public backing of Amorim suggests that United will be happy to spend big to help the former Sporting CP manager, and a midfielder has to be at the top of their transfer list.
United favour Wharton over Baleba
“Adam Wharton has overtaken Carlos Baleba on Manchester United’s list of transfer targets,” said Pete Hall of IPaper Sport. His “Michael Carrick-type” nature has led to him becoming one of the stars of the Premier League under Oliver Glasner.
The report continues to say that Amorim is a fan of Wharton due to his direct passing style, with the midfielder often favouring a risky forward ball over a safer backwards option.
Baleba’s poor start to the season has left United staff members concerned about signing the Brighton player, so much so that they are looking to sign an entirely different tactical profile instead.
One insider source said: “A calming influence, a midfielder on a different level with the ball at his feet wouldn’t go amiss right now.
“Baleba can get about the pitch more, but does he possess Wharton’s quality on the ball? The club could do with the latter.”
Wharton signing could be a concern for Mainoo
Kobbie Mainoo has been forced to the bench since the start of this season, with Fernandes the first choice in his position. Many United fans are demanding that he be given more minutes, but this seems unlikely under Amorim.
If Adam Wharton joins United before Mainoo becomes a regular in the starting side, the No.37 may again be stuck on the bench as Amorim will want a high-energy profile next to the Crystal Palace midfielder.
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At Palace, Wharton usually plays alongside Kamada or Hughes and focuses on progression, rather than a high-energy role without the ball. He won’t be signed to solve United’s out-of-possession problems, but to replace Fernandes, who could leave in the summer.
Signing Wharton could leave Mainoo with no other choice but to leave Old Trafford, despite his clear talent. Amorim must start to play the young midfielder, or he will lose many supporters for ignoring a brilliant academy talent.
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