SHOCKING REASON PUTS WHARTON ABOVE BALEBA AT UNITED
Man Utd's midfield target has shifted from Brighton's Carlos Baleba to Crystal Palace's Adam Wharton. INEOS is reportedly impressed by Wharton's playmaking, comparing his style to Michael Carrick.
In the summer, Ruben Amorim's search for a midfield player failed; thus, INEOS concentrated on strengthening the attack.
The Portuguese had requested that the co-owners attempt to recruit Brighton & Hove Albion's Carlos Baleba, but United was unable to meet his asking price.
Though the Seagulls are unlikely to give the 21-year-old a significant discount, there have been rumours that the Red Devils may return for him in January.
The form of Cameroon is another consideration. The former Lille star has not played 90 minutes in a single game this season since he was linked to a move to Old Trafford in the summer.
Baleba form issues
The defensive midfielder has been greatly impacted by the rumours, according to Brighton manager Fabian Hürzeler, and United's policymakers have expressed concern about his inability to cope with the strain.
According to iNews, the INEOS administration now believes that Crystal Palace's Adam Wharton perfectly fits their needs. Despite having ties to Real Madrid, United, and Liverpool, the England international discreetly goes about his job.
Furthermore, Wharton is a better playmaker than Baleba, and his passing skills are comparable to those of former United great Michael Carrick.
It is unclear if the Eagles will sell him because, according to recent sources, they are eager to sign him to a new, long-term contract. However, the Englishman wants a release clause added so he can eventually sign with a top team.
"On Manchester United's list of transfer targets, Adam Wharton has surpassed Carlos Baleba. When Wharton has the chance to pass forward rather than sideways, he usually does it. Ruben Amorim is reportedly a fan of the Crystal Palace midfielder's direct style of play.
Wharton's exceptional ability to create plays
"Baleba has long been a goal to transform United's midfield, but the Brighton midfielder's unlucky start to the season has persuaded some at the most successful team in the Premier League to consider a transfer for a completely different type of player, and Wharton fits the bill."
According to sources who spoke to The i Paper, numerous senior United officials have reconsidered their selection as a result of Wharton's easy rise and the fact that Baleba appears to find it difficult to handle the attention—he has not played a full ninety minutes for Brighton this season.
According to one insider, Wharton's style of play was similar to that of Michael Carrick, who is still well-liked at Old Trafford.
Amorim must now make a decision.
According to the insider, "A midfielder on a different level with the ball at his feet, a calming effect, would not go astray right now." "Baleba has more movement on the pitch, but does he have Wharton's skill with the ball? The latter would be beneficial to the club.
The 20-time English league winners might need an orchestrator at the foundation of their midfield, as Bruno Fernandes now has too much work to do, even though the Brighton star's energy would be a big help.
Whether Adam Wharton or Carlos Baleba attends the Theatre of Dreams will probably depend on the operation's ultimate cost.
WHY MARCUS RASHFORD IS OFFICIALLY SNUBBING MICHAEL CARRICK’S MANCHESTER UNITED SOS RETURN PLEA
Marcus Rashford has no interest in a Manchester United return. Discover why he’s choosing a permanent £26m move to Barcelona instead.
Marcus Rashford isn’t looking back at Manchester United. After his loan to Barcelona, he’s made it pretty clear he wants to stay in Spain for good.
He landed at Barca last summer, a move that made sense after things soured for him at Old Trafford. Hansi Flick brought him in on a season-long loan, with a deal in place to buy him for €30 million (£26 million). Rashford wasted no time showing his worth—22 goal contributions in 32 games. He’s settled in fast, and the fans have noticed.
Earlier on, it sounded like Barcelona might try to haggle over the fee, maybe push for another loan or a cheaper deal. But now, according to Marca, that’s off the table. The club’s ready to pay what they agreed and make Rashford’s move permanent. Rashford wants it too. Everyone seems to be on the same page.
The Mirror reports Rashford has zero interest in heading back to Manchester. He wants his future sorted before England sets off for the 2026 World Cup in North America. No surprise there—he’s not looking to drag things out.
England’s first match is June 17 against Croatia, just two weeks after Barcelona’s season wraps up. Some talk suggested Michael Carrick, if he gets the United job permanently, could try to lure Rashford back. But honestly, Rashford’s mind is made up. He wants Spain, and that’s that.
Even if the Barcelona deal somehow falls through, Rashford would rather move elsewhere than wear United’s shirt again. If everything goes as planned, his transfer will be United’s first big move this summer.
He’s not the only one heading out. Casemiro’s already confirmed he’s leaving, and a few others might follow. United have juggled rumours about guys like Manuel Ugarte, Joshua Zirkzee, and Kobbie Mainoo, especially back in January. After Ruben Amorim left, Mainoo actually found himself in a stronger spot at United and has started every match since Carrick came back. Lately, there’s been a real push to get him into the England squad.
Meanwhile, United are fighting for a Champions League spot. If they make the top five, they’ll have more cash to play with this summer. Last year, they spent over £200 million beefing up the squad, even without European football.
If Rashford, Ugarte, and Zirkzee all leave, United will have even more flexibility to reshape the team. Top priorities? A central midfielder, a centre-forward, and a left winger before the 2026/27 season kicks off. This summer’s shaping up to be busy at Old Trafford.
COLE PALMER "OPEN" TO MANCHESTER UNITED SWITCH AMID HOMESICK RUMORS
Cole Palmer is reportedly open to a summer move to boyhood club Manchester United as claims of homesickness emerge at Chelsea.
Cole Palmer just can’t seem to escape transfer talk. Now, it’s Manchester United in the headlines, with rumours swirling that he’s homesick after spending two and a half years at Chelsea.
Apparently, Palmer wouldn’t mind a big summer move to United—his boyhood club—especially with fresh claims that he’s not exactly settled in London. He joined Chelsea from Manchester City in a £42.5 million deal and quickly became one of their main attacking threats. But now, the England international’s name keeps popping up in connection to a return up north.
The Sun says Palmer would be open if United came calling, since he grew up supporting them. But don’t expect him to head back to City while Pep Guardiola’s still the boss. That door’s basically closed.
It’s worth noting that Jason Wilcox, United’s director of football, knows Palmer well from his time at City’s academy. Wilcox is a big fan—hard not to be, after Palmer racked up 15 goals and eight assists in the Premier League last season.
Despite signing a new deal with Chelsea last year that runs until 2033, Palmer reportedly misses his hometown of Wythenshawe.
Injuries have made this season tough for him. He’s only managed 13 appearances in the 2025-26 campaign, and he missed Chelsea’s 3-1 win over Crystal Palace on Sunday because of a thigh problem. Liam Rosenior, Chelsea’s new head coach, confirmed that before the match.
Rosenior’s already tried to put a lid on the transfer rumours, especially the talk about Palmer being homesick. “I’ve spoken to Cole plenty of times, and he seems really happy here,” Rosenior said last week. “He’s a huge part of our long-term plans.
“My job—and the club’s—is to help him consistently play at his best. He was frustrated after the Brentford game, for sure. We need to take care of him, and that’s why I kept him out of the last match.”