Manchester United's pursuit of midfield reinforcements this summer has reportedly seen little mention of Carlos Baleba and Adam Wharton, two players previously linked with moves to Old Trafford and praised by former United legends Rio Ferdinand and Roy Keane.
Baleba and Wharton Not Prominent in Talks
According to the Manchester Evening News, United made an enquiry over Brighton's Carlos Baleba last year but were deterred by the Seagulls' asking price of at least £100 million. That stance appears unchanged this summer. Meanwhile, there is a view at Old Trafford that Crystal Palace's Adam Wharton is too similar to Kobbie Mainoo, who has re-established himself as a key part of United's midfield under Michael Carrick.
The Daily Mail reports that neither Baleba nor Wharton have 'featured prominently' in discussions among the United hierarchy so far this summer, despite the club's search for more midfield depth.
Former Players' Endorsements
United's stance on Wharton may disappoint former players Roy Keane and Rio Ferdinand, both of whom have publicly praised the 20-year-old. Speaking on ITV in November, Keane said: "I do like Adam Wharton. A lot of the modern midfielders, their first option seems to be, 'Can I go sideways or backwards?' What I like about him, the first option he seems to look at it is, 'Can I pass it forward?' And that's a big strength to have."
Keane added: "This is where he can mature over the next year or two if he's playing at the top level, put demands onto people. He's a bit soft there. Shout at players. Go, 'Give me the ball!' That's what I used to do, I used to fall out with people a lot. 'Give me the ball!' Put demands on your teammates. He's still new to it, so I'm not going to be too harsh on him. But as he matures and starts playing more games, put demands on your teammates."
Ferdinand also recommended Wharton on his YouTube channel last summer: "We've been talking about Baleba, he's been the hot topic for the last month or so, but before that, Adam Wharton was one of the guys I was saying [United should sign]. He's the nearest to a Michael Carrick type, who's a controller, who can play, who plays forward from that deeper line position at times. He can be an eight if you need him to be and can run on at times if need be, but he's more of a conductor and can control things."
Ferdinand continued: "I watched him in a couple of games last season against big teams like Man City and Liverpool, and he looks unfazed. He looks ready for a big occasion. He enjoys pressure, can play under pressure, and the game kind of slows down when the ball is around him. I love him. I think he's a fantastic footballer."
United's Midfield Moves
United have already moved to strengthen their midfield, closing in on a £35 million deal for Atalanta's Ederson. However, the club remains keen to add an elite-level midfielder following Casemiro's exit. They have missed out on Mateus Fernandes, who joined Tottenham for £85 million, and Sandro Tonali, who is close to a move to Spurs worth up to £100 million.
As a result, United are now considering other targets, including Bournemouth's Alex Scott and Real Madrid's Aurelien Tchouameni, both of whom have been linked with moves to Old Trafford.
