United's Unbeaten Run Faces Everton Test
Manchester United will attempt to extend their unbeaten streak to six matches when they welcome Everton to Old Trafford on Monday evening. Under the management of Ruben Amorim, the team has experienced a significant uplift in morale since their last defeat back in September. While recent 2-2 draws against Tottenham and Nottingham Forest were not ideal, they followed an impressive sequence of victories against Brighton, Liverpool, and a high-flying Sunderland.
The results have left United in seventh place in the Premier League table, a mere two points behind third-placed Chelsea. A victory against Everton could potentially propel them into the Champions League positions for the first time since August 2024, depending on results elsewhere. Their confidence will be boosted by a formidable recent record against the Toffees, having won six consecutive encounters before a draw last February, with their last loss dating back to April 2022.
Roy Keane and Rio Ferdinand Agree on 'Next Level' Midfielder
The Manchester United transfer rumour mill is in full swing, with Crystal Palace's 21-year-old midfielder Adam Wharton emerging as a primary target. Reports indicate the club is considering a move for the England international in 2026. Wharton's rapid rise at Selhurst Park and his composed, intelligent performances have not gone unnoticed, earning him praise from two of United's most iconic former players.
Roy Keane highlighted Wharton's proactive style of play, stating, "I do like Adam Wharton... What I like about him, the first option he seems to look at is, 'Can I pass it forward?' and that's a big strength to have." Keane suggested that as Wharton matures, he will begin to demand the ball more from his teammates, a hallmark of a top-level midfielder.
Echoing this sentiment, Rio Ferdinand explicitly called for United to sign Wharton, drawing comparisons to a club legend. "I would sign another central midfielder... That player needs to be able to take the ball and transfer it up the pitch. You know who I would go for? Adam Wharton," Ferdinand said on his YouTube channel. "He reminds me of Michael Carrick a bit." Securing his signature, however, will be a challenge, with Crystal Palace expected to demand a fee in the region of £100 million for a player contracted until 2029.
Bacary Sagna Urges United to Trigger £65m Release Clause
In other transfer news, former Arsenal and Manchester City defender Bacary Sagna has advised Manchester United to activate Antoine Semenyo's £65 million release clause in the January transfer window. The 25-year-old Bournemouth forward has been in sensational form this season, contributing six goals and three assists in just 11 Premier League appearances.
Sagna believes the Ghanaian international possesses the qualities to elevate the team. "He could definitely help the club get back to the top end of the league," Sagna told Oddspedia. "If he did join them, he'd be regarded as the player which made the difference and take United to the next level. He's young, fresh and has proven he can shine in big games."
Semenyo's profile fits United's refreshed recruitment strategy of targeting Premier League-proven talent, a approach evidenced by the summer signings of Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha. The forward is versatile, comfortable playing out wide or as an inside forward. United will face competition, however, with both Liverpool and Tottenham also linked with a move for the player once his release clause becomes active in January.
