Insider: This is how Adam Wharton fared with Man United 'keeping a close eye'
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(Credit: Imago) ‘I watched Adam Wharton’s Man United audition, this is how he fared at Old Trafford’ Mon 2 March 2026 17:39, UK Adam Wharton has been heavily linked with a move to Man United this summer and was being watched closely as Crystal Palace visited Old Trafford.Michael Carrick‘s side ran out 2-1 winners on the day after Maxence Lacroix’s controversial red card shifted the tide in favour of the first team.However, there are concerns that while Wharton started the game strongly, the 21-year-old’s influence faded as Palace struggled to get a grip on matters.Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that the England international’s display at Old Trafford will have done little to convince watching suitors.Wharton is one of a number of midfield targets on the Red Devils’ radar, and may have fallen down the pecking order after his recent frustrating performances.Credit: Getty Images 🔄 Man United Transfer Update 🔄 Breaking news on deals in progress, signing scoops, departures, and contract news from the United boardroom. VISIT THE TRANSFER HUB MORE FOOTBALL INSIDER STORIES Adam Wharton assessed in Man United auditionFootball Insider revealed in January that Crystal Palace are expecting bids for Wharton in the summer transfer window, despite ruling out a mid-season exit.With Oliver Glasner set to walk away from his position, the Eagles are bracing for a turbulent summer, although Man United’s stance on Wharton could change things.“Wharton has been on Man United’s radar for a while,” Brown told Football Insider.“I have no doubt they’ll have been keeping a close eye on him in that game to see how he got on, but to be honest, I wasn’t really convinced by him.“He’s obviously a very talented player.
He’s excellent with the ball at his fit, picks out some wonderful passes and is always silky on the ball, I won’t argue that.“But the big problem I’ve had with him, and this goes back to his time at Blackburn, is that when the game is against you he tends to go missing.“That’s what happened at Old Trafford. He was good in the first half when Palace had the better of the game, but after the red card I didn’t see him.“I want to see my midfield players putting in tackles, making interceptions, breaking up play and making it hard for the other team, but he doesn’t do that.“Maybe he’s just not that type of player, but then he’s not the type of player Man United need, when they’re going to be looking to replace Casemiro.“I think there are doubts about Wharton that I don’t have with some other players and they were shown against at the weekend, when I wanted to see him perform.”Read more: Man United could spend £100m+ on a Casemiro replacement.Man United’s four-man midfield shortlist revealedFootball Insider revealed on 22 February that Wharton is part of Man United’s four-man shortlist of midfield options who will be targeted in the summer.Despite putting their transfer plans on ice in January as they await a decision on who will be their next permanent manager, work is ongoing in the background.Alongside the Crystal Palace man, Elliot Anderson, Carlos Baleba and Amadou Onana are all on the Red Devils’ radar as they aim to bolster in the middle.Credit: ImagoCasemiro’s confirmed departure from Old Trafford in the summer has only increased their plans to land a replacement, and multiple opportunities will be assessed.Anderson is the standout target for United as things stand, thanks to his performances at Nottingham Forest, but they will face competition from rivals Man City.
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