Crystal Palace star is 'exactly what Man United need' after what scouts saw vs Leeds

Manchester United scouts have been impressed by what they have seen from Crystal Palace star Adam Wharton this season.

Despite what has been a slow start for the England international under Pierre Sage, there are aspects of his game which could make him the ideal target for Michael Carrick.

The Red Devils have only recently completed a big-money overhaul of their midfield with the signings of Youri Tielemans, Andrey Santos and Carlos Baleba, but could add another.

Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that scouts will be watching Wharton this season and would've been impressed by his display against Leeds.

Despite some sloppy actions in posession which saw his side lose the ball, the 22-year-old showed the grit, determination and work rate which has been absent at Old Trafford.

Man United are believed to have been long-term admirers of Wharton, and while a January deal can already be ruled out, they could revisit a move next summer.

Could Man United make a move for Adam Wharton?

Football Insider revealed ahead of the summer transfer window that Man United were interested in signing Wharton and were prepared to join their rivals in the race.

It soon became clear that the midfielder would not be allowed to leave Selhurst Park given his importance to Palace, deterring his suitors including Carrick's side.

However, after a difficult start to the season for Man United, they could revisit the move in 2027 and have already been impressed by what they've seen from Wharton.

"Adam Wharton is somebody who we're going to have to keep an eye on this season," Brown told Football Insider.

"Obviously there's always speculation about his future at Crystal Palace, but now under a new manager, it's going to be interesting to see whether that impacts his performances.

"I thought his efforts against Leeds were first class, especially in the second half, and he really worked to stamp his authority on that game.

"Things weren't quite going for him in the game, he lacked that bit of quality he usually shows, he gave the ball away too often, but he made up for it by working to win it back.

"He was getting up to people, putting challenges in, putting the pressure on, driving his teammates forward with him, and he showed the kind of attitude you want to see from every player.

"It was exactly what Man United need, and exactly what they've been missing this season, that bit of bite and desire to want to impose yourself on the game.

"Scouts are going to be having a close look at him this season and they would have been very impressed by what they saw against Leeds."

Which other clubs are interested in signing Wharton?

Despite Wharton having impressed watching scouts from Man United, they are far from the only club keeping tabs on his situation ahead of a move next summer.

The likes of Liverpool and Real Madrid have also had scouts tracking the midfielder at Selhurst Park in the last 12 months, and could be tempted to make a move.

Meanwhile, Football Insider revealed on 7 September that Man City could reignite their interest in Wharton last year after they saw an enquiry rebuffed in the summer.

Palace rejected the Citizens' approach by insisting that he was not for sale at any price ahead of the 1 September deadline, and are set to stand by that decision.

Any January deal is unlikely due to Palace's stance that he is not for sale, but there is a growing expectation he will move on in 12 months' time, placing clubs on alert.