Manchester United Zero In on Adam Wharton as £50-60m Midfield Target

Manchester United have made their minds up, and Adam Wharton is the name lighting up Old Trafford’s summer plans, SportsBoom can exclusively reveal.

United’s hierarchy have identified the England and Crystal Palace midfield ace as their number-one target, with the Red Devils ready to launch a £50-60million swoop to land one of England’s brightest young stars.

United’s midfield revamp is already underway, with Casemiro heading for the exit despite calls from supporters to extend his stay. The Brazilian’s staggering £350,000-a-week wages have proven a deal-breaker, and club chiefs are refusing to backtrack.

Instead, they want youth, energy and tactical intelligence, and Wharton ticks every box.

STUNNING RISE

The 22-year-old, standing at 6ft, has enjoyed a stunning rise. He began his journey at Blackburn Rovers, where he made 44 appearances in the Championship and quickly earned a reputation as a midfield prodigy.

That form earned him a move to Palace in February 2024 in a deal worth an initial £18million, potentially rising to £22million, a fee that now looks like a bargain.

Since arriving in South London, Wharton has gone from promising youngster to Premier League standout. He has racked up 63 top-flight appearances and 83 in all competitions for the Eagles, becoming the heartbeat of their midfield, even if his first goal for the club is still yet to come.

His calmness in possession, defensive awareness and ability to dictate tempo have seen him compared with some of the finest English midfielders of recent times. Alongside England and Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson, he is widely regarded as one of the country’s most exciting prospects.

And crucially, he fills a glaring gap at Old Trafford.

DOMINANT 

Many United fans and observers believe a lack of a dominant holding midfielder has been a weakness for years, a void that has left the defence exposed and the midfield unbalanced. Wharton is seen as the man to finally solve that problem.

The Old Trafford club has a rich history in that role, none more iconic than legendary skipper Roy Keane, and there is a growing belief Wharton has the temperament and quality to follow in those footsteps.

He isn’t the only name on the shortlist. United have also tracked Sandro Tonali, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Brighton ace Carlos Baleba, but insiders insist Wharton remains the standout option.

Much could hinge on qualification for the UEFA Champions League, but under interim boss Michael Carrick, United are surging.

After a nightmare start under former boss Ruben Amorim, they now sit third in the Premier League and full of confidence following a huge win over Aston Villa, sitting three points clear in the race for Europe and five ahead of reigning champions Liverpool.

United believe they are building again, and Wharton could be the cornerstone of their new era.