Man Utd news: Adam Wharton verdict reached with 'next level' transfer on the cards

View 4 Images

Manchester United will be aiming to stretch their unbeaten run to six games when they host Everton . It's been a turbulent start to the season for Ruben Amorim's side, but the mood at Old Trafford has lifted significantly since their last defeat - all the way back in September.

Granted, two 2-2 draws against Tottenham and Nottingham Forest just before the international break hardly set pulses racing, especially after the impressive run of victories against Brighton , Liverpool and a high-flying Sunderland team.

Even so, United sit seventh, only two points behind third-placed Chelsea and a win on Monday could - depending on other results - lift them into the Champions League places for the first time since August 2024.

They will fancy their chances, too, given their impressive recent record against Everton. Although the most recent meeting between the sides ended in a draw last February, United had won the previous six encounters, with their last defeat to the Toffees coming way back in April 2022.

With the Premier League returning this weekend, here are the latest Manchester United headlines.

Roy Keane and Rio Ferdinand are singing from the same hymn sheet when it comes to Adam Wharton, with the Crystal Palace midfielder continually linked with a move to Old Trafford . According to reports, Wharton is high on United's transfer wishlist , with the club weighing up a possible approach in 2026.

The 21-year-old has been a revelation since arriving at Selhurst Park last season and is now a full England international, having started in Sunday's 2-0 win over Albania. His composure, tenacity and footballing intelligence have rightly earned widespread praise, but it is his willingness to play forward passes that has particularly impressed United legends Keane and Ferdinand.

"I do like Adam Wharton," Keane said after England's win at the weekend. "A lot of the modern midfielders, their first option seems to be, 'Can I go sideways or backwards?'

View 4 Images

"What I like about him, the first option he seems to look at it is, 'Can I pass it forward?' and that's a big strength to have. This is where he can mature over the next year or two if he's playing at the top level.

"Put demands onto people. Shout at players, go, 'Give me the ball!' That's what I used to do, I used to fall out with people a lot. 'Give me the ball!' Put demands on your team-mates.

"He's still new to it, so I'm not going to be too harsh on him. But as he matures and starts playing more games, put demands on your team-mates."

Ferdinand has noticed the same thing, specifically highlighting Wharton's progressive passing as a major reason why he'd be an excellent signing for United.

View 4 Images

"I would sign another central midfielder this summer to play alongside Manuel Ugarte. That player needs to be able to take the ball and transfer it up the pitch. You know who I would go for? Adam Wharton," he said on his Rio Ferdinand Presents YouTube channel.

"I would go get him. The reason I would take him is that he can get on the ball and transfer it up the pitch. Wharton has got a great range of passing. I think he would be a great addition to the United squad. He reminds me of Michael Carrick a bit."

However, prising Wharton away from Crystal Palace will be far easier said than done. The Eagles are expected to demand in the region of £100million for their prized midfielder next summer and, with his contract at Selhurst Park not expiring until 2029, they are in no hurry to sell.

Bacary Sagna has urged United to trigger Antoine Semenyo's £65m release clause in January, insisting the Bournemouth forward would take the club "to the next level." The Ghanaian has been in sensational form this season, scoring six goals and providing three assists in just 11 Premier League appearances.

United, long-term admirers who seriously considered a move for him last summer, now have a clear pathway to sign him when the clause becomes active and the former Arsenal and Manchester City defender believes the fee would be money very well spent.

View 4 Images

"Looking forward, if he was to leave Bournemouth and stay in the Premier League, I think Manchester United would be a suitable option for him," Sagna told Oddspedia. "He could definitely help the club get back to the top end of the league and if he did join them, he'd be regarded as the player which made the difference and take United to the next level.

"He's young, fresh and has proven he can shine in big games this season - so I think Old Trafford could be a good destination for him."

United's recruitment strategy is now focused on Premier League-proven talent, as demonstrated by the summer arrivals of Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha. Semenyo ticks the same boxes - both in profile and tactically - with the 25-year-old equally comfortable out wide or cutting in as an inside forward.

The Red Devils are not alone in their admiration, though. Liverpool and Tottenham are also linked with the player and the public knowledge of his £65m January release clause is likely to alert several more suitors.

Sky has slashed the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle ahead of the 2025/26 season, saving members £192 and offering more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.