Man United need a new key to midfield
After 7 rounds of the Premier League, Man United is currently in 10th place. Ruben Amorim's team has not really operated smoothly. New signings like Sesko and Mbeumo bring fresh energy but the "Red Devils" still lack the necessary control and creativity.
In the summer transfer window, Man United chased Carlos Baleba from Brighton but withdrew before the £100 million price requested by the "Seagulls". Amorim understands the team's problem in the midfield, where Casemiro has declined due to age, while Bruno Fernandes also has certain difficulties in his new role.
Therefore, Wharton is considered a piece for the future, someone who can change the face of Man United for many years to come.
Adam Wharton is the solution to the ball control problem
Wharton is emerging as one of the Premier League's best passers and pressers. Joining Palace from Blackburn in 2024, he quickly became the core of Oliver Glasner's 3-4-2-1 system, helping the team win the FA Cup for the first time in history and then defeating Liverpool to win the Community Shield.
Wharton's passing skills, rhythm-maintaining ability and tactical thinking have caught the eye of many big players like Liverpool, Man City and even Real Madrid. However, Man United wanted to take the first step to gain an advantage in this deal.
Amorim is highly regarded for Wharton, considering him the perfect midfielder for the 3-4-3 system he is trying to establish at Old Trafford.
150 million pounds blockbuster deal and flag exchange
Man United are willing to spend £60 million on Wharton, but this figure is far from the £150 million that Crystal Palace is valuing. Wharton's contract runs until 2029, giving Palace full initiative at the negotiating table.
To convince the partners, Man United's board may consider a player exchange option, which is rare in Premier League internal deals. However, this is entirely possible in the context of the "Red Devils" needing to cut personnel. According to British media, the two names mentioned are Kobbie Mainoo and Joshua Zirkzee.
Mainoo was once hailed as Carrington's gems and the future of the England midfield. However, after the explosive EURO 2024, the 20-year-old midfielder has almost disappeared from the Man United first team, having only played 113 minutes in the Premier League this season.
In the summer of 2025, Mainoo asked for a loan to have more playing opportunities but Amorim refused due to a lack of midfield options. Now, with the Old Trafford team searching for Wharton, Palace could demand a loan from Mainoo in addition to cash as part of the deal.
For Palace, this is a reasonable option as they can sign a potential young English player, both reducing risks and ensuring a long-term plan.
Joshua Zirkzee came to Old Trafford in the 2024 transfer window with high expectations after his impressive performance at Bologna. However, he could not adapt to Amorim's playing style, was very lackluster as a striker and appeared to be more suitable for the deep-lying "number 10" position.
Zirkzee is currently attracting interest from AC Milan and Juventus, but if Man United want to put him in a deal with Palace, this could be a smart move. Glasner's side still lack a flexible attacking plan to support Jean- Philippe Mateta, so Zirkzee could be the right piece.
According to British media, Zirkzee has expressed his desire to leave Man United in January to qualify for the 2026 World Cup with the Netherlands. Therefore, moving to Palace, where he can regularly start in the Premier League, is a feasible choice for both sides.
Under Ruben Amorim, Man United is in a period of strong restructuring both in terms of personnel and tactics. With Sir Jim Ratcliffe's statements about Ruben Amorim's future, perhaps the upper class can spend more to meet the Portuguese coach's personnel requirements.
Amorim wants to build a young, energetic and more cohesive squad, rather than relying on past veterans. The 40-year-old strategist is very eager to bring in at least 1 quality midfielder last summer such as Carlos Baleba or Adam Wharton.
