Rio Ferdinand has called on Manchester United to make a move for Adam Wharton, whom he likened him to a club legend.
This comes after United halted their pursuit of Brighton and Hove Albion star Carlos Baleba, at least until next summer.
United abandon Baleba chase
After wrapping up a deal to sign Benjamin Sesko from RB Leipzig, United are now fully focused on reinforcing other areas of their squad.
The midfield in particular is in urgent need of strengthening and the club identified Baleba as their top target for the position.
United established contact with Brighton to explore the conditions of a deal but it soon became apparent that it would be an extremely costly operation, with the Seagulls valuing him at north of £100m. It’s believed that Baleba was open to the move and personal terms would not have been an issue.
The Red Devils reluctantly shelved their move for the Cameroonian but are expected to return for him next summer when finances allow for a significant outlay.
A report covered by The Peoples Person relayed that United still intend to sign a midfielder. The club are prioritising a permanent transfer over a loan move and Ferdinand believes he has the perfect alternative to Baleba – Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton.
Ferdinand urges United to swoop in for Wharton
Speaking on his Rio Ferdinand Presents YouTube channel, Ferdinand said, “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.”
“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.”
The six-time Premier League winner 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.”
Ferdinand pointed out that United also have a player in their ranks who can dominate in the middle of the park – Kobbie Mainoo.
“But what I would say at Manchester United, we have Kobbie Mainoo. I think Mainoo can control the game, play deep. I think Mainoo can play that role given the opportunity because you can play through somebody like him and you can get out of tight situations and open the game up for your attacking players.”
“You might just have to be a patient young man at the moment for the team to find its way for the manager to then put the trust in him to go and play.”
“But if it was me personally, if I was playing two in the midfield, Kobbie Mainoo would definitely play because he’s a super talent who can handle the ball as well as anybody that Man United have got right now and I would give him that responsibility.”
United are back in action on Sunday when they go away to Craven Cottage to take on Fulham.
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