Manchester United have been told the key reason why they must avoid signing Adam Wharton this summer, despite Rúben Amorim’s need for a new midfielder.
Manchester United reinforced Rúben Amorim’s squad with four first-team signings during the summer transfer window.
Forwards Benjamin Šeško, Bryan Mbeumo, and Matheus Cunha arrived to strengthen the attack, while goalkeeper Senne Lammens also joined the squad on deadline day.
Despite spending over £200 million, several positions still need attention, and United have already begun planning for next summer’s window.
The midfield remains the Reds’ biggest concern, as their long-standing issues there went unresolved during the recent transfer window.
United warned against signing Wharton for one reason
Adam Wharton has been one of the brightest young midfielders in the Premier League this season. He is calm under pressure, composed on the ball and intelligent in possession, and he’s become a key figure for Crystal Palace’s midfield.
However, former United defender Paul Parker has stated he feels the club must avoid bringing in the talented Englishman due to his injury record.
“Adam Wharton looks good. Everything he does, I like him,” Parker told MyBettingSites. Playing for a progressive side at the moment.
“A lot of injuries, always has something, but it doesn’t seem to bother other clubs who keep on paying money. At the moment, United don’t need a player like him who cannot play two to three games without picking up a knock.”
It’s a fair warning from Parker—one United needs to listen to. Wharton’s ability isn’t in question, but his reliability might be.
United have previously dealt with one of the worst injury lists in recent Premier League history. From Casemiro and Mason Mount to Lisanadro Martínez and Luke Shaw, it’s been a revolving door of absences. The squad has struggled for rhythm, consistency and cohesion because of it.
In that context, signing a player who has already developed a reputation for picking up knocks would be a step backwards. Wharton might be talented, but United can’t afford another player who is likely to be on the treatment table rather than on the pitch.
The club has learned the hard way before, with big-money signings who couldn’t stay fit enough to make a real impact. It’s time United breaks the cycle.
A player for the present not for the future
There’s no doubt Wharton has the talent to go far. He’s calm under pressure, comfortable in possession, and has a natural understanding of the game that’s rare for a player his age. His rise from Blackburn to Crystal Palace has been seamless, and it’s easy to see why top clubs are keeping tabs on him.
Parker continued, saying, “Adam Wharton has done great. Came from Blackburn, hit the ground running. Why didn’t anyone else get him? You’ve got to pat Crystal Palace on the back for that, for the money they spent and how he’s performed.
“Big clubs would rather spend even more money on players whose shirts they can sell. I’m sure Adam Wharton would have loved to come to Man United.
But potential isn’t everything — timing matters. For Manchester United, this just isn’t the right time to make that move.
The squad already has enough injury issues, and adding another player who’s still building physical consistency would only add to the problem. United need availability as much as ability right now.
Wharton could be the perfect signing in a year or two, once he’s proven he can handle the demands of Premier League football week in, week out. If he can stay fit, refine his defensive discipline, and keep developing, he’ll become exactly the kind of midfielder United would love to have.
For now, though, it’s better to watch from afar. Let Palace keep shaping him, let him grow, and let United focus on players who can deliver immediately. Wharton’s future is bright — it just doesn’t have to be at Old Trafford yet.
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