Man United transfer news: Red Devils 'weighing up' summer move for Crystal Palace star to solve issue in squad

Manchester United are reportedly weighing up a summer move for Crystal Palace central midfielder Adam Wharton.

The 21-year-old made the move to Palace from Blackburn Rovers at the start of 2024, and he excelled for the Eagles in the second half of the 2023-24 campaign, which led to him earning a spot in the England squad for Euro 2024.

Wharton has had a frustrating 2024-25 season due to a groin problem, with the Englishman undergoing an operation towards the end of last year, but he has featured in Palace's last two Premier League games against Man United and Everton.

The midfielder will be looking to finish the season strongly, and according to CaughtOffside, he could be in line for a big-money move during this summer's transfer window.

The report claims that the Red Devils are considering making an offer for Wharton in the upcoming market, as the club prepare to bring in at least one player in that area of the field.

Christian Eriksen is set to leave when his contract expires at the end of June, while the 20-time English champions will also attempt to move Casemiro on, although that will prove to be a difficult task due to his substantial wages.

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Man United 'considering summer move for Wharton'

Wharton, who made his England debut last June, has made 29 appearances for Palace since his arrival, providing four assists, with 26 of those outings and three of those assists coming in the Premier League.

Man United head coach Ruben Amorim is said to be determined to sign a central midfielder capable of dictating the play from a deeper position, and Wharton certainly fits the brief.

Bruno Fernandes has recently been operating in a deeper area, but there is a feeling that Amorim feels more comfortable with the Portugal international closer to the opposition's goal.

Man United will arguably lose their most technical midfielder when Eriksen leaves this summer, with Toby Collyer and Manuel Ugarte's best work coming off the ball, while it remains to be seen whether Kobbie Mainoo has a long-term future under Amorim as a central midfielder in a 3-4-3 formation.

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Would Wharton be a good signing for Man United?

Wharton was hugely impressive for Palace in the second half of last season, and the Eagles will struggle to keep hold of him on a long-term basis due to his unique skill set.

Man United are no longer targeting established players heading towards the latter stages of their careers, with the Red Devils instead bidding to sign youngsters with huge potential, and Wharton fits into that category.

Much will depend on price, though, as Wharton is rated incredibly highly by his London club, and he has a contract at Selhurst Park until June 2029, so Man United will have to be prepared to pay a huge sum in order to secure his signature.

Written by
Matt Law