Manchester United transfer target Adam Wharton has “got a plan” for his future, as revealed by his agent in a recent interview.
Manchester United’s midfield is seen as an area that needs immediate change, with the January transfer window fast approaching.
Casemiro and Manuel Ugarte both seem to struggle for form in Rúben Amorim’s system, although Ugarte earned a move to Paris Saint-Germain from his brilliant performances at Sporting CP under the current United boss.
Jason Wilcox – United’s Director of Football – has been targeting several midfield targets for the winter window, but there have yet to be concrete links for one specific option.
The more expensive midfield targets (Elliot Anderson, Carlos Baleba and Adam Wharton) may have to wait until the summer window, unless United can offload Ugarte for a reasonable fee.
There is a general feeling amongst fans that a new midfielder could help Amorim improve his United side, so signing one should be a priority in the upcoming window.
Wharton’s agent reveals future plan
Wharton is one of the leading candidates to join United’s midfield in 2026, although Liverpool are also eyeing a move for the Crystal Palace midfielder.
Speaking to TalkSPORT, his agent has now revealed they already have a plan in place for his future: “Adam hadn’t made his debut for Blackburn. There were question marks about his physicality, his physical output, input or both. We sat down, like you would with a lot of young players who have got the talent or potential, and spoke about shooting for the stars… let’s play for England.
“Personally, to play for England, you have to play Champions League and you have got to play in one of the top teams in the top leagues. He was at Blackburn Rovers at the time, he hadn’t made a first-team start for Blackburn Rovers.”
The England international’s agent continued to say: “There were a lot of options. I absolutely knew Palace was the right environment. Not just the club but the dressing room, we had players in the dressing room who understood the culture and environment. I felt it would be the perfect step for him in terms of playing Premier League football.
“It is two years next month. In terms of what has happened, I’ve got to be honest, it wasn’t really part of the plan winning the FA Cup, playing for England and so on. Those are the bits on top you take and run with.
“We have got a plan. He is 21, I have to check myself to remember that every now and then. We have got a plan; it doesn’t have to be achieved yesterday, today, [or] this moment. He has got his in-game, in-season targets [and] goals. He has got to do his bit and the rest will look after itself in a very calm, structured way to maximise his ability.”
Is Wharton the right profile?
Wharton’s talent is undeniable. He is among the best players in the Premier League in his position, and his form has now earned him a regular spot in the England squad. But is he the right fit for Amorim’s double pivot?
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Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes have been the first-choice midfield partnership this season, with Kobbie Mainoo left on the bench without a regular spot, despite his impressive performances under Erik ten Hag.
Ugarte has also started this season, but it is clear United need a midfielder who can progress play, while covering lots of ground to make up for the space Fernandes leaves when he pushes higher.
While Wharton’s progression is almost second-to-none, his ground coverage is not that of a Carlos Baleba or Elliot Anderson. Perhaps United may need to stay clear of Wharton if they stick with Amorim’s current system, or he could be another to fall victim to the Old Trafford curse that sees so many top professionals fail to live up to expectations.
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