Roy Keane gives verdict on Man Utd transfer target and what sets star apart

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Manchester United have been linked with Crystal Palace star Adam Wharton - and Roy Keane is a fan. Wharton, 21, made his first start for England on Sunday amid reports that he's being eyed by United .

The midfielder was given 75 minutes as Thomas Tuchel's side ground out a 2-0 win against Albania in Tirana and wrapped up their perfect World Cup qualifying campaign. Wharton created the most chances in the game (three) and made his case to be on the plane to North America next summer.

At half-time, Keane was asked about the youngster, who joined Palace from boyhood club Blackburn Rovers for an initial £18million in January 2024. "I do like Adam Wharton," Keane said on ITV .

"A lot of the modern midfielders, their first option seems to be, 'Can I go sideways or backwards?' 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. He's a bit soft there. 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."

Last week, Wharton - who's helped Palace win the FA Cup and Community Shield this year - was asked about the speculation linking him with a move to Old Trafford and he gave an interesting response. "I don't really look into it or think too much about it," the 21-year-old told The Athletic .

"There are always rumours floating about on social media. Is it true? Is it not? You tell me. My friends, my family, my brothers, everyone will message me and be like, 'Is it true this club's interested?' I'm like, 'Thanks for telling me because I didn't know'."

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When pressed on United's interest, Wharton replied: "I don't know who's spreading it or who at United is looking at it. I see it and I'm like, 'Okay', and then I carry on with my day.

"United, the big teams, they're all linked to 10, 20 different players. If I'm one of 20, then it's nothing special, so it doesn't really mean too much. I speak with my agent about planning ahead and possibilities.

"But at the end of the day, it is who's interested and who's willing to try and get you and if that becomes the case? You can speak about it, but you've got to represent that on the pitch and prove that you deserve it."

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