Ruben Amorim continues planning Manchester United's future despite mounting pressure over his job security at Old Trafford. The Portuguese manager has identified Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton as his primary transfer target and instructed club bosses to secure the 21-year-old's signature.
United are prepared to submit a £60m bid for Wharton, who has become integral to Palace's success over the past three seasons. The dynamic midfielder helped the Eagles win the FA Cup and qualify for Europe, earning widespread praise from teammates and rivals alike.
Valuation gap emerges
Manchester Evening News reports that Crystal Palace value Wharton at around £150m, significantly higher than United's expected offer. This substantial gap could complicate negotiations, though potential swap deals involving Kobbie Mainoo and Joshua Zirkzee might help bridge the difference.
According to the Mirror, Palace chairman Steve Parish has confirmed that Wharton wants Champions League football - something neither United nor Palace can currently offer. This ambition could influence any potential transfer decision.
High-profile competition
Liverpool and Real Madrid are also monitoring Wharton's situation, adding urgency to United's pursuit. The Spanish giants were reportedly reluctant to pay more than £55m, potentially giving United an advantage in negotiations.
Wharton's England teammate Declan Rice has labelled him "top level", while Eberechi Eze described his former Palace colleague as an "incredible player". Eze said: "He's very calm, composed, and a joy to play with. For someone so young, he's very mature and very wise."
Midfield overhaul planned
Amorim views midfield as his priority area after United failed to strengthen the position last summer. The club had considered Brighton's Carlos Baleba but abandoned the pursuit due to the Seagulls' £100m-plus asking price.
Both Casemiro and Mainoo are expected to leave Old Trafford next summer, creating space for new arrivals. Casemiro will be 34 by season's end, while Mainoo has seen his game time reduced under Amorim's management.
Sources used: "Metro", "Manchester Evening News", "Mirror" Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
