Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim targets Crystal Palace star Adam Wharton as his marquee summer signing.
The Red Devils plan to invest up to £66.3m for the 21-year-old midfielder. This bold move signals a fresh start at Old Trafford and reaffirms United’s commitment to quality transfers.
This season has tested Manchester United like never before. The team showcased brilliance with a win at Manchester City and a hard-fought draw against Liverpool. Yet, they also stumbled in losses to Wolves, Brighton, Bournemouth, and Palace. Each result underlines the enormous challenge Amorim faces.
Amorim inherited a star-studded squad that lacks the balance required for his favored 3-4-2-1 formation. The system, which earned him success at Sporting CP, demands a tactical shift that the current lineup cannot provide. This misalignment fuels the need for significant changes.
A major overhaul looms at Old Trafford. Amorim plans to offload several unwanted stars to free up transfer funds. Players like Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho might find themselves on the exit list. The club also considers moving others at the end of their contracts to tighten the wage bill.
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Amorim has pinned down three transfer musts for this summer. He urgently seeks a new right-sided wing-back, at least one midfielder, and a fresh No.9 striker. Reports reveal that he already has his eyes on a specific wing-back and a high-profile striker to lead the line next season.
Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton stands out as the midfield recruit of choice. Despite suffering injuries that limited him to just 13 appearances in all competitions, the 21-year-old still shines as a once-capped England star. His potential and proven talent make him a top target for United.
Funding these transfers will test United’s financial strategy. Prospective deals for Wharton, Geovany Quenda, and Victor Osimhen could total nearly £200m. Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS aim to reclaim funds by tightening the club’s outgoings. Victor Lindelof, Christian Eriksen, and Jonny Evans are set to leave when their contracts expire, while the sale of Jadon Sancho and standout loan spells from Antony and Marcus Rashford might ease the burden.
The club continues to scout further options amid tight funds. United show interest in Bayern Munich midfielder Aleksandar Pavlovic and RB Leipzig defender Castello Lukeba. With 10 players’ deals expiring in summer 2026, Amorim might find additional cut-price targets. Each move represents a step toward reshaping United’s future and sparking a new era at Old Trafford.