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Manchester United’s opening Premier League game against Arsenal on Sunday did not go exactly as per plan, with the Gunners claiming a narrow 0-1 win at Old Trafford.
Despite the result, Ruben Amorim will be delighted with the display, as the Red Devils completely dominated the team that finished second in the league last term, like few other teams have managed in recent seasons.
However, the head coach will also be aware of the need to improve in the middle of the park, with Manuel Ugarte’s cameo off the bench proving what a liability he can be on the ball.
Carlos Baleba of Brighton and Hove Albion was the club’s intended target, but the Seagulls refused to sell, and as a result, the 20-time English league champions have been forced to look elsewhere.
United scout Adam Wharton
Adam Wharton of Crystal Palace emerged as the perfect alternative, with the 21-year-old already a Premier League-proven talent.
The Eagles might not sell the England international this window, but that has not stopped the Old Trafford side from scouting him regularly.
In fact, as per TBR Football, United sent scouts to Stamford Bridge to watch the Palace midfielder in action. He stole the show as expected.
Adam Wharton completed a 100% of his dribbles, while making eight final-third passes. He is the perfect deep-lying playmaker for Amorim’s system.
Not giving up on him just yet
“TBR Football can exclusively reveal that United sent scouts to Chelsea’s stadium to watch Wharton in action for Crystal Palace.
“Wharton is a long-term target for United and has emerged as a player they feel could fit into their system under Ruben Amorim.
“Indeed, the 21-year-old, who featured in the Palace, played a three-man defence with Wharton starring in the holding role – the position United would ideally like to sign a new player for this month.”
United would look completely transformed if they could add either of Baleba or Wharton, and it will be interesting to see whether INEOS can actually bring someone of quality in before the end of the window.
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