Manchester United’s new-look midfield is starting to take shape after a summer of rebuilding. Despite conceding two goals and only managing a 2-2 draw against Everton on Sunday, the Red Devils displayed control and signs of a budding partnership at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Michael Carrick opted to continue with the partnership of Kobbie Mainoo and Youri Tielemans in the middle of the park against Everton over the weekend. The duo had started together for the first time against Ipswich Town earlier this month, securing a 5-2 win.
While they could not extract a similar result against the Toffees this weekend, United’s improved displayed, especially in the middle of the park, will please Carrick. Unfortunately, they were undone by two stunning goals and left Merseyside with just a point.
While the defence appears to be a liability once again this season, the midfield is beginning to look settled. United spent over £150 million on Tielemans, Andrey Santos and Carlos Baleba this year, but a former Chelsea player believes they could add another midfielder to Carrick’s squad in 2027.
Obi Mikel tips Adam Wharton to join United
Speaking on the Obi One podcast, former Blues midfielder John Obi Mikel suggested that United will sign Adam Wharton next year. He said: “I love him! I love Adam Wharton, I’m a big, big fan.”
“I think he’s going to go places, though, I think next season he will leave Crystal Palace. I think they want to keep him for one more season and I see him going to Manchester United next season.”
Mikel acknowledged that he would welcome the Englishman to Stamford Bridge, adding: “Listen, I’d want him at Chelsea. If he comes to Chelsea, absolutely fine, but there are so many good players in the Premier League.”
“It comes down to: who finds the right formula that works for them? And I think that’s what we [Chelsea] need to find.”
United were linked to Wharton this summer
Wharton was among the candidates on United’s wish list this summer following a stellar run with Crystal Palace. The Englishman registered one goal and seven assists in 51 appearances across all competitions for the Eagles last season.
Adam Wharton Stats: 2025/26 Season
| Competition | Appearances | Starts | Goals | Assists | Yellow cards | Second yellow cards | Red cards | Minutes played |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Premier League | 34 | 29 | 1 | 5 | 4 | 1 | - | 2,564' |
| Conference League | 14 | 11 | - | 1 | 3 | - | - | 982' |
| UECL Qualifying | 2 | 2 | - | - | - | - | - | 180' |
| Community Shield | 1 | 1 | - | 1 | - | - | - | 85' |
| FA Cup | 1 | 1 | - | - | - | - | - | 90' |
| EFL Cup | 1 | 1 | - | - | - | - | - | 90' |
| Total 25/26: | 53 | 45 | 1 | 7 | 7 | 1 | - | 3,991' |
Source: Transfermarkt.
Red Devils legend Paul Scholes also wanted the club to make a move for Wharton, but it never materialised. The 22 year old has a playing style quite similar to Kobbie Mainoo, which could be a reason behind the decision.
Meanwhile, Wharton is also under contract at Selhurst Park until 2029, so prising him away was always going to be a costly affair. INEOS, instead, opted to invest in Baleba as they looked to add more steel in the midfield to offset Casemiro’s departure.
The Cameroonian is currently out with an injury, but is expected to be back to full fitness by the end of this month.
Final Thoughts
United invested heavily in midfield this summer and are unlikely to revisit the position next year. All signs indicate that INEOS will put their focus on the backline in 2027.
Featured image Alex Livesey via Getty Images
