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Manchester United struggled in midfield last season as Erik ten Hag’s go-to pairing of Casemiro and Christian Eriksen failed to adapt to the manager’s new high-transition style.
Both stalwarts looked like they had lost a yard of pace with the Dane losing his place following Kobbie Mainoo’s emergence while the Brazilian suffered from injuries and even had a fall-out with the manager before the FA Cup final.
United are reportedly open to selling the Denmark international as well as the former Real Madrid superstar despite his recent clear-the-air talks with the manager.
The Red Devils need to strengthen in the middle of the park and Joao Neves of Benfica has been touted as a top target despite his high release clause.
Midfield reinforcements
United had even submitted a €70 million offer for the teenager but the Portuguese club ended up rejecting the offer and now INEOS have decided to move on as per a recent report.
CaughtOffside have claimed that the 20-time English league champions have stumbled upon the perfect alternative — Adam Wharton of Crystal Palace.
A partnership with Kobbie Mainoo would have United sorted for years to come with the Palace star capable of playing all across the midfield. The duo are almost certain to be England’s lynchpins in the years to come.
The former Blackburn Rovers academy graduate took to the Premier League like a duck to water since his January move, eventually making 16 appearances in the English top-flight last season.
He registered three assists as Oliver Glasner’s side played some scintillating stuff and eventually finished 10th. His displays even earned him a call-up to Gareth Southgate’s England senior team and he made his bow in a friendly against Bosnia.
Wharton interest
The Old Trafford side have already wrapped up Joshua Zirkzee’s signing and are currently trying to close the deal for Matthijs de Ligt of Bayern Munich. Once that is wrapped up, they will focus on midfield reinforcements.
“Benfica wonderkid Neves is one name on Manchester United’s list, while Crystal Palace ace Adam Wharton could be a cheaper alternative.
“Although Neves is appreciated by United and other top clubs such as Paris Saint-Germain, sources have informed CaughtOffside that Benfica don’t seem prepared to budge on his €120m release clause, which could see interested clubs look elsewhere this summer.
“CaughtOffside understands that Wharton is another name in United’s sights after his impressive form at Palace in recent times, with the 20-year-old working his way into Gareth Southgate’s Euro 2024 England squad this summer.
“Palace surely won’t want to sell so soon after signing Wharton, but it’s clear he’s got what it takes to play at the very highest level after showing tremendous potential early on in his career.”
Wharton might be too expensive
United’s new co-owners are on the hunt for young, homegrown stars who are Premier League-proven and Wharton perfectly fits the bill. But Palace’s asking price might prove to be a major obstacle.
The 20-year-old has a deal with the Eagles until 2029 and the London team are unlikely to let him go so soon. And if they do, it certainly will not be for a cut-price fee.
He was acquired for €21 million and Palace are likely to ask for at least three times that amount considering the player’s age and potential.
United’s meagre budget needs to be supplemented by player sales and it is possible that the club focus on the loan market to solve certain problem positions.
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