[James Ducker] Manchester United’s crucial summer and how they will rebuild midfield

In the article

With Casemiro leaving at the end of the season, United want at least two midfielders to supplement Mainoo, who will soon sign a new contract. But if Ugarte was to leave Old Trafford this summer they could even be in the market for a third midfielder.

Finding a long-term replacement for Casemiro in the No 6 role who has both the legs and quality transition passing is key, and this is where compatibility with Mainoo is imperative.
Adam Wharton’s progressive passing is greatly admired, for example, but it is thought that the Crystal Palace and England midfielder is too similar in profile to Mainoo to be a natural partner for him in a 4-2-3-1 midfield-two. That is not to say Wharton could not be an option as potentially one of three midfield recruits depending on how the window unfolds and the combinations United land upon.

In terms of age, profile and temperament, Anderson, 23, ticks many of United’s boxes. But if Nottingham Forest avoid relegation it could cost at least £100m to convince them to sell and that could prove prohibitive for the Old Trafford club. Rivals Manchester City are also very keen and thought to be the current frontrunners

Tchouaméni is considered an interesting option as the France midfielder, now 26, enters his prime at Real Madrid but various pieces may have to fall into place in the transfer window for United’s hand to be strengthened on that one. If Pérez was to harden his interest in Rodri that could open the door on Tchouaméni, even if Eduardo Camavinga is the midfielder Real would probably prefer to listen to offers for. City, it should be said, have offered Rodri a new contract and do not want to lose him.

Telegraph Sport revealed in February that Sandro Tonali was high on United’s shortlist and the Newcastle and Italy midfielder certainly squares with the profile they are looking for.
But, with an array of factors at play, it would be a surprise at this stage if the club formalised their interest in a player who could cost at least £80m.

Last summer, United made tentative enquiries through third parties about Brighton’s Carlos Baleba, who would have cost around £100m then. The Cameroon international, 22, has not had as good a season but is one of the midfielders United have done background work on.

The price of Mateus Fernandes, 21, could fluctuate depending on whether West Ham are relegated. The same applies to João Gomes, 25, with Wolves now officially relegated. Alex Scott, 22, is another midfielder who is drawing admirers for his performances with Bournemouth.
There are many moving parts, but reconfiguring the midfield remains critical.

I’m not a professional football analyst but I don’t get why are people keep saying Mainoo and Wharton are similar? Can someone explain to me because from what I see they aren’t really that similar if not somewhat opposite.