Man United 'identify England international' as resolution to 'major problem' at club

The Red Devils boosted their midfield during the recent market with the acquisition of Manuel Ugarte from Paris Saint-Germain, but both Casemiro and Christian Eriksen could leave Old Trafford in 2025.

Despite the arrival of Ugarte, Man United are still struggling to control matches from the middle of the park, and it is believed that the club want to bring in a specialist next year.

According to TEAMtalk, Wharton is viewed by the 20-time English champions as a major target, with the 20-year-old making a huge impression at Selhurst Park after arriving from Blackburn Rovers in January.

Wharton's form in the second half of the 2023-24 campaign saw him named in the England squad for Euro 2024, although he was not used during the tournament.

Wharton 'emerges as transfer target for Man United'

Eriksen is one of few Man United players capable of dictating the play from the middle, but the Denmark international is out of contract next summer and widely expected to depart.

As a result, the Red Devils are looking for a replacement for the Dane, with Wharton emerging as a genuine target, but the club are likely to face intense competition for his signature.

Manchester City, Liverpool, Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur and Bayern Munich are also believed to be admirers of the Englishman, with Palace seemingly facing a very difficult task when it comes to keeping hold of him.

Wharton scored four goals and registered five assists in 51 appearances for Blackburn before moving to Palace, and he has four assists in 23 matches for the Eagles, with 22 of those games coming in the Premier League.

Who will Man United start in midfield against Porto?

Kobbie Mainoo was forced off injured during Sunday's 3-0 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur, and it remains to be seen whether the Englishman is fit for the Europa League clash against Porto on Thursday night.

Ugarte should keep his spot, while Bruno Fernandes, who was sent off against Tottenham, is also set to start.

Fernandes has had his suspension overturned after Man United successfully appealed against his red card against Spurs, meaning that the Portugal international will not be facing a three-game domestic ban.

If Mainoo is unavailable, Casemiro or Eriksen would be in line for a start, while Mason Mount could be another option depending on how he has recovered from the head injury that he sustained against Spurs last time out.