Adam Wharton’s response to Man United links proves he can handle what Carlos Baleba couldn’t
Manchester United have identified Adam Wharton as one of several central midfield targets ahead of 2026.
After failing to land Carlos Baleba in the summer, Manchester United want to sign a central midfielder in 2026 and Ineos could look to get business done as early as 2026.
While Baleba is still on United’s radar, the Brighton midfielder’s poor form this season means that alternatives are being considered.
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United are showing interest in Adam Wharton, but they are aware that there will likely be fierce competition for the 21-year-old’s signature.
Ahead of the January window opening up, Wharton was asked directly about his transfer links to United.
Photo by Jacques Feeney/Offside/Offside via Getty Images
What Adam Wharton said about Man United interest
Ruben Amorim has had success buying Premier League-proven stars at United, with Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha both having a positive impact after their summer moves.
Buying from the Premier League will likely be the strategy again in 2026, and United are aware that Wharton is expected to cost well over £50m.
Who is your dream Manchester United signing in 2026?
However, Wharton himself played it cool and remained quiet about his links to United. When asked by David Ornstein on The Athletic FC podcast, he said: “I don’t know who’s sort of linking that, who’s spreading it, I don’t know, who at United is looking at it.
“I don’t know. Yeah, I see it and I’m just like, okay, and then just carry on with my day. United, the big teams, they’re all linked to 10, 20 different players.
“So if I’m one in 20, then it’s nothing special. So just doesn’t really mean too much.”
Adam Wharton can handle Man United links
A new transfer rule at United has been created to prioritise the character and attitude of new signings, and that was applied this summer with all four new arrivals.
Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler has admitted that Baleba has been impacted by links to United, which explains his underperformance this season.
When visiting Old Trafford, Baleba failed his audition against United, putting on a poor display before being replaced in the second half.
READ: Who is Man Utd target Adam Wharton? Age, position, stats, comparisons with Michael Carrick
It should be a big red flag to Ineos that Baleba is already struggling to handle the pressure of being associated with United. If he joined for a big fee, the media spotlight would be relentless.
In contrast, Wharton has taken the links to United in his stride and has not allowed them to impact his performances. Amorim needs calm and composure in midfield, and Wharton has it in bucket loads.
