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Manchester United’s decision-makers are busy plotting a midfield revolution. Adam Wharton is one name on the list.
Former Manchester United winger Ryan Giggs has backed a possible move for Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton.
Speaking to Webby and O’Neill, Giggs was asked for his views on Manchester United’s chase for a new midfielder, or two, this summer.
United need to replace outgoing star Casemiro, who will depart when his contract expires at the end of the season, and there are huge boots to fill.
There is also interest from Italy in Manuel Ugarte, and United could look to upgrade on the Uruguayan and sign a second midfielder.
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Photo by BEN STANSALL/AFP via Getty ImagesGiggs on midfield targets
Ryan Giggs underlined the need for United to enter the transfer market this summer, commenting: “We need to strengthen midfield without a shadow of a doubt.”
He went on to discuss his admiration for Adam Wharton, the 22-year-old Crystal Palace star, who is already an England international.
“I always like a left-footer in the team so I wouldn’t argue with Wharton, I think he looks, to me, like a Man United player.
“Somebody who can handle the ball, passes forward, runs forward, Premier League experience.”
Giggs, United’s all-time record appearance maker, also said he could see the case for signing Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson.
His only understandable nitpick was the cost of signing the pair of them.
“[Elliot] Anderson I like as well, solid player. Plays every game, I can see a Wharton and Mainoo, an Anderson and Wharton, I can see all of those scenarios, it just depends.
“British players are a lot of money and what we’re able to spend. But we need two midfielders.”
You have £100m to spend on a midfielder – who are YOU buying, Elliot Anderson or Adam Wharton?
Or is there another realistic player you would sign instead? Let us know who!
Getty Images World Cup will be complicating factor
The 2026 World Cup will be a complicating factor for Manchester United’s pursuit of both Adam Wharton and Elliot Anderson.
The pair are both expected to be in the England squad, and United will find it difficult to strike a deal before the tournament, due to the limited time to do so. Selling clubs may also prefer to wait, to see if their prices inflate.
It then becomes high risk for United to enter pre-season without a midfield signing, if they are planning a high-stakes expensive swoop for both players – which has to wait until after the World Cup.
This conundrum is up to Ineos to figure out, but they have had months to prepare for this with Casemiro’s exit announced in advance. Fans will be unforgiving if they get it wrong.
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