Manchester United have reportedly already enquired about signing an alternative to Carlos Baleba as Rúben Amorim continues to hunt for a new midfielder.
Manchester United are approaching the final phase of their summer transfer business, with Rúben Amorim still looking to strengthen his squad.
So far, the club have secured the signings of Matheus Cunha, Diego Leon, Bryan Mbeumo, and most recently, striker Benjamin Šeško.
The four arrivals have cost around £214 million, with Leon the only player to join for under £60 million. Amorim is still targeting reinforcements in midfield and in goal.
While Brighton’s Carlos Baleba had been his first-choice midfield option, the 21-year-old is not available this summer. As a result, United have shelved their pursuit until next year and are now focusing on alternative targets.
United have already enquired about Wharton
Another player who has been somewhat linked to United across the last 12 months is Adam Wharton of Crystal Palace, with reports suggesting that Amorim’s side may test the waters for his move.
However, according to transfer journalist Graeme Bailey, United have already taken initial steps concerning the “excellent” Wharton, having made enquiries earlier this week.
“One of Manchester United’s alternatives to Carlos Baleba is Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton,” Bailey told United in Focus.
“We can confirm United have made enquiries this week and are contemplating whether to make a move. Wharton is a player United have a long-term interest in, and like with Baleba, they feel he would offer them something different.
“However, it is highly unlikely that Wharton would be attainable this summer with Eberechi Eze set to move to Tottenham Hotspur in the coming week.
“Whilst Palace are likely to refuse to entertain any approach, we are told that to land Wharton it would take a deal in excess of £100 million.”
Wharton could finally solve Amorim’s Mainoo issue
While Wharton would likely be viewed as Casemiro’s long-term successor at United, he could also provide an immediate solution to Rúben Amorim’s current dilemma with Kobbie Mainoo.
The 19-year-old has struggled to fully adapt to Amorim’s system so far, with injuries and inconsistent performances limiting his impact, though his talent remains unquestionable.
A key issue has been the defensive workload placed on him when covering large areas in midfield, a responsibility that does not play to his strengths.
Wharton, meanwhile, has thrived in Oliver Glasner’s 3-4-3 at Crystal Palace and is already well-drilled in the defensive side of the game. If he were to join United, he could prove the ideal partner to unlock Mainoo’s potential.
The two are also close off the pitch, having formed a strong friendship during England’s 2024 European Championship campaign, and are widely seen as central figures in Thomas Tuchel’s long-term midfield plans.
If United are willing to meet Palace’s asking price, Wharton’s arrival could not only strengthen Amorim’s options but also bring him closer to maximising Mainoo’s qualities at Old Trafford.