Manchester United must look to try and hijack a deal for a £60 million-rated star as Ruben Amorim has a new ‘priority signing’ at Old Trafford.
Manchester United have endured a dismal domestic campaign, currently languishing in 16th place in the Premier League as the season nears its conclusion.
While there remains a glimmer of hope in the form of a potential Europa League triumph, such a success would not mask the deeper issues plaguing Old Trafford.
Incoming manager Ruben Amorim is well aware of the challenges ahead and is demanding major changes this summer as he prepares for his first full season at the helm.
The club is expected to be active in the transfer market, with numerous signings and departures planned to equip Amorim with the tools he needs to turn things around after a turbulent opening six months.
United must try to hijack £60m Wharton deal
It looks like United are already making progress in fixing their attack, with deals for Matheus Cunha and Liam Delap seeming likely ahead of the summer.
Reports have now claimed that a third priority signing for Amorim’s squad is in the centre of midfield, where United lack quality and depth.
Casemiro has been having an excellent season but there are still question marks over his future and Christian Eriksen will leave at the end of the campaign. Toby Collyer has only played a bit-part role in the team due to injuries while it seems like Kobbie Mainoo is preferred higher up in Amorim’s system.
A deep lying playmaker who can conduct the tempo of the game is something United have needed for too long and recent reports have suggested the best option for them.
MailSport have claimed that Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton would be available this summer for around £60 million, which is less than many would expect and a transfer United should look to hijack.
Real Madrid and Liverpool are both reportedly interested in the 21-year-old and there’s no questioning that it would be difficult for United to make a deal happen.
But they have shown that they can still attract these young stars and the entire approach under INEOS has been focused around signing players like Wharton.
United chiefs have to convince signings of project
A deal like this would only seem possible if United win the Europa League and qualify for Champions League football next season.
Palace are a solid team, set to play in the FA Cup final, and there are other big teams interested in Wharton who are in better positions than United.
Those in charge at Old Trafford have the important job of selling the project to the players they try and sign this summer, because that will be the main lure for them.
As always, despite how bad United are right now, the prospect of being a player who can help turn the club into a winning machine again is perhaps one of the most attractive ideas in the sport.
But as mentioned, the United chiefs have to make that idea seem like it can become reality.
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