Man Utd have obvious Adam Wharton transfer plan as Bruno Fernandes sends timely reminder

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Bruno Fernandes produced two assists to see Manchester United stage an unlikely fightback at Crystal Palace - and increase the chances of Adam Wharton signing as his replacement next summer.

The England midfielder provided the gorgeous first-half pass for Jean-Philippe Mateta to win a penalty when he was fouled by Leny Yoro. The France striker scored the spot kick at the second attempt after VAR ordered a re-take after an accidental double touch.

But after the break, the Manchester United skipper played in Joshua Zirkzee for a stunning equaliser. And then Mason Mount smashed Fernandes’ short free-kick through the Palace wall for the winner which saw the Old Trafford club climb to sixth place before the later kickoffs.

Ruben Amorim has been charged with getting the Old Trafford club back into Europe in his second season - and he risks becoming another ex-Manchester United manager if he fails.

But not qualifying for European football next season will also have an impact on player recruitment. And £70m target Wharton, is understood only interested in moving to Old Trafford if they are in Europe - and this Fernandes-inspired win has increased the chances of that happening.

The Portuguese star turned down the chance to move to the Saudi Pro League in the summer but he has an agreement that he can leave United for £57m next year for a foreign club.

That money could finance a deal for Wharton - or for fellow England midfielder Elliot Anderson or Brighton ’s Carlos Baleba. The former Blackburn Rovers midfielder, who is already playing in the UEFA Conference League, is always busy and looking for a forward pass.

And he would add youthful energy to the Manchester United engine room with Fernandes now 31 and Casemiro 34 - although both played the full 90 minutes while Wharton went off after 78 minutes following his midweek appearance.

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But Wharton has yet to score for Crystal Palace - and he missed an open goal to open his account at Strasbourg on Thursday. And he shot straight at Manchester United keeper Senne Lammens in the first half when Palace should have killed this game off.

The Brazilian also missed two early chances - including a header from another Fernandes free kick - but the two Manchester United midfielders are a goal threat.

Declan Rice has added more goals to his game since moving from West Ham to Arsenal . And if he can stay fit, it is the area that Wharton can improve to become a regular for England - and a Premier League superstar.

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