🚨 Premier League midfielder addresses rumours linking him with Man United
Are Man United planning a move for him next year?
Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton has addressed the persistent speculation surrounding a possible move to Manchester United, offering an honest perspective on the situation while claiming that his focus remains firmly on his current club.
The young Englishman’s poised reaction has only added to his growing reputation as one of the Premier League’s most promising talents.
Wharton is known for his maturity when it comes to keeping possession of the ball and making the right use of it in crucial situations, something that he has already mastered at such a young age.
Wharton, 21, has been increasingly linked with Man United, who are keen to strengthen their midfield options as they eye a long-term successor to Casemiro.
Adam Wharton opens up on Man United links
However, during a recent interview with The Athletic, Wharton remained measured in his response:
“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 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.”
Since joining Palace from Blackburn Rovers in January 2024 for a fee of around £22 million, Wharton has steadily established himself in the senior squad.
He played an instrumental role in the club’s historic FA Cup triumph in 2025 and has now made multiple senior appearances for England’s youth squads and even the senior national team.
Wharton’s chance creation and passing metrics have attracted significant attention, with reports highlighting he created 1.45 chances per 90 minutes during a key period last season, as per The Times.
His dribbling success rate is virtually flawless, with The Sun reporting that he completed every attempted take-on in the top flight.
These numbers reflect his dual ability to control tempo defensively and influence attacks, attributes rare in a midfielder of his age.
From Man United’s perspective, it makes complete sense why they want to sign the Crystal Palace midfielder.
Their midfield needs an upgrade with someone who can help the team in possession. Currently Bruno Fernandes is being deployed in a deeper role to fulfill that need and knowing Fernandes, he is much more effective in an advanced role.
Wharton’s emergence could solve United’s midfield issues, given his composure and ability to operate in tight spaces.
Crystal Palace are not ready to sell Wharton
Despite the growing attention, Palace appear under no pressure to sell. Chairman Steve Parish has been transparent about the situation, saying:
“If Manchester United want Adam Wharton, that’s nothing surprising really about that… He’s got a long contract to run. There’s no pressure on us to do it, and I don’t think there’s any real pressure from the player either.”
Tactically, Wharton has thrived in Palace’s evolving structure under Oliver Glasner, who utilises a dynamic 3-4-3 formation. Wharton’s role as a “pivot” in midfield allows him to break lines with forward passes and provide defensive cover.
In contrast to typical box-to-box midfielders, Wharton is characterised more by his vision, composure under pressure, and ability to control games from deep.
For now, his priorities remain, perform consistently, stay fit, and earn his place in England’s squad ahead of major international tournaments.
Transfer speculation may swirl, but for Wharton, the clearest focus is still the next match.