Manchester United legend Paul Scholes has admitted to being dumbfounded by the club’s failure to pursue Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton.
Inactivity
It’s been very quiet at United since announcing the signings of Andrey Santos, Youri Tielemans and Karl Darlow last month.
Heading into the summer window, it was widely reported that United would be busy, having turned things around under Michael Carrick to secure Champions League football. The opposite has largely been true.
It’s believed that United remain on the hunt for a third midfield acquisition but the identity of this player remains a mystery. Striker, left-back and left-winger positions could also come into play, with two weeks left until the close of the window.
Wharton’s performances at Palace since leaving Blackburn haven’t gone unnoticed and United are known to be among his admirers. He has also continuously been linked to Real Madrid, Chelsea and Liverpool.
But the England international is still waiting for his big move, almost certainly thanks to Palace’s hefty valuation of him. There have been rumours that the Eagles want £80m – £100m to sanction a sale. His suitors have demonstrated little willingness to fork out such a sum.
While there may be late business before the deadline, United are unlikely to be the party willing to gamble on Wharton.
But Scholes believes the Red Devils should absolutely pursue Wharton.
Speaking on the most recent episode of The Good, The Bad The Football podcast, Scholes insisted that he does not understand why United are still unsure about the Palace man.
Scholes’ Wharton verdict
Scholes said, “I can’t believe Manchester United are not trying to buy Adam Wharton.”
“I think I’ve said on here before that Sandro Tonali would’ve been my first choice. But obviously with him gone now, Adam Wharton looks perfect for me.”
United open their 2026/27 Premier League season on Saturday when they go away to Hull City.
Featured image Alex Livesey via Getty Images
