Man United, Liverpool and Chelsea in fight for England star

Manchester United are reportedly considering a major January transfer move for Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton. According to sources, the England international has also attracted interest from Liverpool and Chelsea , highlighting his growing reputation in English football.

For Manchester United , strengthening midfield remains a clear priority. The club failed in their pursuit of Brighton’s Carlos Baleba during the summer window, leaving the door open for Wharton to become a key target.

A source close to the club told CaughtOffside , “United see Wharton as the ideal replacement for Casemiro, who’s expected to leave at the end of the season.” This indicates the urgency within United’s recruitment team to secure a player capable of controlling the tempo from deep.

“His ability to dictate play from deep fits perfectly into Ruben Amorim’s tactical setup. They made an approach in the summer, but Palace rejected it outright,” the source added. This suggests that Wharton was always on United’s radar, but the financial barrier prevented a move earlier in the year.

Wharton’s reputation has only grown, with his style of play often compared to United legend Michael Carrick. Known for his composure, range of passing, and intelligence on the ball, he could provide the Red Devils with a player capable of orchestrating their midfield with precision.

Interest in Wharton late in the summer reportedly valued him at around £100 million. However, the upcoming January window may see a significant reduction in cost. “For January, Wharton will more likely cost around £60 million as he could be keen to get a move to a club playing in Europe to boost his World Cup hopes with England ,” sources suggest.

This fee makes Wharton a more realistic target for United, especially considering their need to integrate new talent quickly to compete at the highest level domestically and in European competition.

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Wharton’s arrival could mark a turning point for United’s midfield structure. He brings not only technical ability but also a tactical intelligence that could transform how the team transitions from defence to attack. His ability to read the game and dictate tempo could be crucial for Ruben Amorim, who has emphasised the need for a midfield playmaker capable of guiding the team from deep positions.

“Wharton has the quality to make it at the highest level, and it would be interesting to see him in a United shirt,” sources noted. His style could help restore some of the composure and control that the club has lacked since Casemiro’s arrival.

From a Manchester United supporter perspective, this potential move is highly encouraging. Fans have long called for a midfielder capable of controlling play, and Wharton’s profile fits that description. The price reduction from £100 million to around £60 million makes the move appear not only feasible but strategically smart.

Supporters may be cautiously optimistic, recognising that Wharton could bring stability and creativity to a midfield that has struggled for cohesion. Comparisons to Michael Carrick provide a useful benchmark, as Carrick was instrumental in helping United dominate games with subtlety rather than sheer power.

Critics may point to United’s recent inconsistency, but adding a player like Wharton could signal a commitment to building a long-term midfield core rather than short-term fixes. If the move goes ahead, it would be viewed as a decisive and intelligent piece of recruitment, especially in a transfer market increasingly driven by inflated fees and high-risk signings.

Ultimately, Wharton’s potential signing could be a statement of intent from Manchester United , demonstrating ambition, strategic thinking, and a desire to return to the upper echelons of English and European football. Fans will be watching closely, hoping this January move could be the start of a new chapter for the club’s midfield dominance.