Scholes points out the missing piece for Man Utd, chooses Adam Wharton.
Scholes points out the type of all-around midfielder Ruben Amorim's Man Utd are lacking, preferring Adam Wharton over Carlos Baleba and Elliot Anderson, setting INEOS's sights on the 2026 transfer window.
Paul Scholes identified Manchester United's biggest weakness under Ruben Amorim: a versatile midfielder capable of both attacking and defensive duties. Speaking on Sky Sports, the Old Trafford legend leaned toward Adam Wharton (Crystal Palace) over Carlos Baleba (Brighton) and Elliot Anderson (Nottingham Forest), thus suggesting a potential transfer target for INEOS and football director Jason Wilcox in the 2026 transfer window.
Context: Amorim celebrates its one-year anniversary, and the midfield remains a concern.
Ruben Amorim has just completed a year managing Manchester United after leaving Sporting CP to succeed Erik ten Hag in 2024. The Portuguese coach received strong support from INEOS and Sir Jim Ratcliffe: investment budget, public backing, and a major spending spree with five new signings including Bryan Mbeumo, Benjamin Sesko, Matheus Cunha, Senne Lammens, and prodigy Diego Leon.
However, a crucial piece remains missing in the midfield. Despite strengthening several positions, INEOS and Wilcox have yet to bring in a top-class midfielder – a role Scholes believes is key to Amorim's system functioning optimally.
Tactical requirements under Amorim
Scholes gave a very specific description of the type of midfielder Man Utd needed: “Now people talk about number 6, number 8 or number 10… but for Man United, a midfielder has to do it all: attack, defend and be involved in every aspect. That’s the job of a Man United midfielder.”
This perspective reflects the existing problem: the pivot duo of Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes doesn't fully meet the demands of all three phases. Bruno remains a star player, but his influence is limited when playing deeper. Casemiro lacks the speed and mobility required by Amorim's demands. Therefore, an "all-action midfielder" who can orchestrate, press, and make a difference in both directions becomes a must-have for building the team.
Three options from Scholes' perspective
Carlos Baleba
Baleba was on Man Utd's radar last summer, with official contact with Brighton that was rejected. However, Scholes remained cautious: “Baleba is very young. Quality? I'm not sure he's reached that level yet. He's a bit like Moises Caicedo.” He added: “He played very well at Chelsea, but is that the type of midfielder Man United need? I'm not sure.”
Hugo Anderson
Anderson's rise caught the attention of England manager Thomas Tuchel — as well as Scholes. “I’m really surprised by Elliot Anderson,” Scholes said. “I liked him back at Newcastle, when I thought he was more of an attacking player, a number 8 or 10.” Scholes appreciated Anderson’s ball control, forward passing, and confident style of play. However, this wasn’t enough to convince him that he was the first-choice option.
Adam Wharton
Wharton could cost up to £100 million and is the name Scholes is leaning towards: “I think I would choose Wharton. He has more quality than Baleba. Anderson and Wharton are pretty close, but I lean towards Wharton.” However, he still questioned his fitness and range of movement: “Can he cover the whole pitch? Old Trafford is a very big pitch. You need fitness and strength to play in that position.”
Impact: The challenges INEOS and Wilcox must solve by 2026
The midfield is the crucial link for Amorim to complete his football philosophy at Old Trafford. The arrival of a versatile midfielder — as described by Scholes — would balance the system, enhance pressing, expand the scope for ball distribution, and free Bruno Fernandes to return to his highest level of influence.
With their squad already revamped by new signings, Man Utd need a central figure in midfield to link their tactical layers. The focus of the 2026 summer transfer window is therefore on a top-class midfielder. It all depends on Jason Wilcox and INEOS's choices when the transfer window opens: according to Scholes, Adam Wharton is the most suitable option among the three mentioned – provided he proves his ability to cover the entire pitch and adapt to the intensity at Old Trafford.
What Scholes is asking for isn't new, but it's a timely reminder: Man Utd doesn't just need a "number 6," "number 8," or "number 10," but someone who can encompass all those roles into one body, so that Amorim's system can shift from stability to title competition.
