Man Utd told to IGNORE Carlos Baleba and 'break the bank' for Adam Wharton instead by ex-coach as Ruben Amorim seeks midfield reinforcements

Wharton Baleba

Manchester United have been told to turn their attention to Crystal Palace ace Adam Wharton as they look to sign a new midfielder this summer.

WHAT HAPPENED?

The Red Devils have spent big in an attempt to improve their fortunes in 2025-26, with Benjamin Sesko, Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha joining from RB Leipzig, Brentford and Wolves respectively. However, Ruben Amorim's men - who finished 15th in what was their lowest ever Premier League finish in 2024-25, are still looking to strengthen in the middle of the park before the transfer window shuts on September 1.

Brighton & Hove Albion FC v Leicester City FC - Premier League

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Reports suggest Amorim's preferred target is Brighton and Hove Albion midfielder Carlos Baleba, 21, but an alternative list is being drawn up due to the midfielder's £100 million ($135m) price tag. And according to former United first-team coach Rene Meulensteen, Palace midfielder Wharton should be the name at the top of it.

WHAT MEULENSTEEN SAID

In an interview with CoinPoker, Meulensteen - who spent 12 years at United - said: "Carlos Baleba is promising. But then I think to myself, why don't you buy Adam Wharton? Is everybody blind? Honestly, that boy is one of the best midfielders in England.

"Why are all the top teams not trying to sign him? I would break the bank for him if I was Man Utd, 100%. Because he's miles ahead. He is a young player with good legs and good energy, he is what a team like United needs."

DID YOU KNOW?

Wharton has received many plaudits since moving to Palace from Blackburn Rovers in 2024, so much so that La Liga giants Real Madrid are also believed to be interested in him. The midfielder has made 44 appearances for Palace, helping them win both the 2024-25 FA Cup and the Community Shield last Sunday.

Manchester United v ACF Fiorentina - Pre-Season Friendly

WHAT NEXT FOR MAN UTD, WHARTON AND BALEBA?

United will take on Arsenal in their opening fixture of the 2025-26 Premier League season on Sunday. Meanwhile, Wharton and Crystal Palace travel to Chelsea on the same day whereas Baleba and Brighton will play hosts to Fulham on Saturday.