Manchester United could be set to miss out on one of their primary midfield targets as his current club offers him a new contract with more Premier League interest.
Manchester United have had an abysmal start to the season, with many people calling for Rúben Amorim to be dismissed, despite a public backing from Sir Jim Ratcliffe. If Amorim is to stay in charge at Old Trafford, United must take serious action in the transfer window.
Jason Wilcox’s main focus should be on the midfield situation, especially considering the latest Bruno Fernandes news, which could see him agree a deal with Saudi Arabia for the summer. With Casemiro and Manuel Ugarte still struggling, signing a new midfielder in January is crucial to how United’s season unfolds.
The Red Devils have been linked with several engine room targets since the end of the summer transfer window, with Carlos Baleba seeming to be the first-choice option. However, his poor start to the Premier League season could lead to United considering alternative possibilities.
One option for United would be to recall Toby Collyer from his season-long loan move at West Bromwich Albion, but signing a more senior player would be beneficial for United. Wilcox must reignite interest in one of the midfielders before United’s season reaches the point of no return.
Palace offer Wharton new contract
Adam Wharton, who is also subject to interest from Liverpool, has been linked to United since the start of the summer transfer window as one of the potential candidates to replace Casemiro.
However, during the international break, Wharton has been offered a new contract by Crystal Palace, but he has demanded a release clause before signing the deal, as per Alan Nixon.
While a new deal could stop United from signing Wharton in January, it could make it easier to sign the England international in the summer transfer window. This wouldn’t help Amorim for the time being, but Wharton could be an ideal replacement for Fernandes if he does make the move to Saudi Arabia.
If Wharton – who has been described as “aggressive” – signs a new contract, it could help Palace keep hold of Oliver Glasner, who has been linked to the United job if Amorim is sacked.
Glasner plays the same formation as Amorim, although in a very different system, and could be Ratcliffe’s favoured option to replace the Portuguese manager if he is forced into an early dismissal.
Mainoo must be considered in midfield signing
Kobbie Mainoo has been without a regular spot in the side this season, but should be the natural replacement for Fernandes if he leaves in the summer. He has to be the future of United’s midfield, alongside a new signing.
If United signs Wharton, Mainoo will be asking questions about his future at the club, as both midfielders play a similar role. While they could play together in a double pivot, Amorim would still face many of the same issues as he does now with that partnership.
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Instead of signing Wharton, United should look for a midfielder who covers ground like Ugarte, but who has a better passing range. Ugarte would be Amorim’s first choice, but his ability on the ball hasn’t been up to scratch since his move from Paris Saint-Germain.
Signing a new midfielder without considering who would be the best partner for Mainoo would only create more concerns within the fan base, something Amorim can’t afford to do after his poor start to the season.
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