Man Utd cancel plans to sign Adam Wharton in search of a reliable partner for Kobbie Mainoo.
Kobbie Mainoo's resurgence has prompted INEOS to change its 2026 summer strategy, focusing on finding a true defensive midfielder rather than a player like Adam Wharton.
Manchester United have officially removed Adam Wharton from their priority transfer list to focus on finding a more physically strong, defensive midfielder. Kobbie Mainoo's remarkable rise in the Premier League under Michael Carrick has forced INEOS to redefine the Red Devils' entire midfield structure for the upcoming transfer window.
The overlap between Wharton and Mainoo
The Old Trafford club initially included Adam Wharton on a shortlist of over 20 candidates for their squad overhaul plan. However, the latest tactical analysis reports from within the club indicate that the Crystal Palace midfielder's profile is remarkably similar to Kobbie Mainoo's. Both are central midfielders who favor ball control and possess the ability to penetrate opposing defenses with incisive short passes.
Having two players with overlapping playing styles is considered a significant waste of both financial and human resources. In fact, under Michael Carrick, Mainoo is excelling in a deep-lying playmaker role, a role Wharton is also playing at Crystal Palace. More worryingly, neither player is strong in covering wide areas of the pitch or providing defensive support from afar, a weakness that could easily break down the Red Devils' system.
Searching for a true "sweeper" for the midfield.
Manchester United's leadership understands that they don't need a copycat version of the young English talent, but rather a perfect partner to support him. A midfielder with a strong, physically fit playing style and a willingness to take on the task of cleaning up is INEOS' top priority right now.
The personnel situation at Old Trafford is undergoing significant changes, with Casemiro confirmed to be leaving, while Manuel Ugarte has yet to provide complete reassurance after inconsistent performances. The team needs a defensive midfielder with a similar mindset to Casemiro at his peak, but younger and more durable, to protect the defense and free up space for Mainoo.
New targets in sight.
Currently, Nottingham Forest's Elliot Anderson has emerged as a top transfer target thanks to his versatility and powerful playing style. However, Man Utd will face fierce competition from Manchester City, as their neighbors are also expressing significant interest in the English midfielder.
Besides Anderson, Manchester United's scouting team is also considering other options such as Carlos Baleba (Brighton) or Sandro Tonali. These are all players with strong one-on-one tackling abilities, promising to provide the necessary steel in midfield. INEOS' current strategy is clear: build the team around Kobbie Mainoo and only bring in players who are truly tactically compatible.
