Manchester United have been granted a sizeable boost in their potential pursuit of Adam Wharton.
The Red Devils have been keeping tabs on Crystal Palace’s technical maestro for well over a year now, but have never gone as far as materialising their interest with a formal bid or offer.
However, that could all be about to change in 2026, when United’s midfield is expected to undergo a considerable revamp in hopes of finally having all areas of the squad reinforced.
As things stand, a handful of Reds are already facing uncertain futures. It’s thought Casemiro may call time on his three-year United tenure in 2026, despite his contract running until June 2027.
Whilst still playing a prominent role under Ruben Amorim, the Brazilian isn’t getting any younger, and the pace and demands of the English top flight have undoubtedly been catching up with him over the last 12 months.
Elsewhere, Kobbie Mainoo will likely push to leave again in the winter if he is not a nailed-on starter in Amorim’s system. The 20-year-old has yet to start a Premier League game in 2025/2026 thus far, being utilised only off the bench in the six matches United have played.
What’s more, he was an unused substitute for the first two games, which prompted him to ask to leave in the final week of the summer window. However, his pleas fell on deaf ears, with INEOS making it clear he was expected to stay and fight for his role.
By the time the 2026 summer window is in full swing, Bruno Fernandes could well be the final one standing at Old Trafford, making a new signing absolutely crucial.
That’s where Wharton comes in. The coveted Three Lions international has quickly established himself as one of the most exciting prospects in Europe since signing for Palace in February 2024, so much so that he was called up to Gareth Southgate’s Euro squad that same summer – albeit he didn’t feature at the tournament.
Wharton, 21, has accumulated a total 41 Premier League appearances. He was part of Palace’s history-making team that won the club’s first-ever major honour in the form of the FA Cup in May, so you can put your money on the fact that the Selhurst Park faithful will want to keep him in South London for as long as possible.
Such a decision may be out of their, and Oliver Glasner’s, control, though. According to journalist Ben Jacobs, there is a ‘gentleman’s agreement’ included in Wharton’s terms that would allow him to leave for around £60-65 million next year.
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