Man United really need to sign Adam Wharton after what Bruno Fernandes just said
Ruben Amorim has been exposed by one tactical decision he’s made this season at Manchester United.
After investing heavily in Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha, two quality attackers, Ruben Amorim has sacrificed Bruno Fernandes by deploying him in a deeper midfield role.
Owen Hargreaves is baffled by Amorim’s decision to play the Portuguese international as a deep-lying playmaker after watching him produce 37 goal involvements in 2024/25.
The 31-year-old is inarguably Man United’s most influential player, and he’s the one capable of serving up a moment of magic.
Bruno has been criticised for some of his defensive performances this term, particularly in the Manchester Derby, with it becoming clear he’s not suited to play in a double pivot.
Bruno Fernandes comments on Man United’s midfield
Although Gabby Agblonahor has questioned Bruno as Man United captain, there is no doubt he’s one of the first names on the team sheet.
Supporters are crying out for him to play as a number 10, and the former Sporting Lisbon maestro has now spoken about how he feels about the current midfield dynamic.
“When I was doing so well as a number 10 in the past, I had [Nemanja] Matic and [Paul] Pogba who were great at playing the ball through the lines,” Bruno told Sky Sports Football.
“Now, Casemiro is very good at doing that with one touch. [Manuel] Ugarte is more of a player who’s going to hunt the ball and recover.
“[Kobbie] Mainoo is a player who we know can break the lines by driving with the ball with the power he has and the ability in tight spaces to get away from players.”
Bruno praised two of his former teammates, Nemanja Matic and Paul Pogba, while speaking about the qualities of Casemiro, Manuel Ugarte, and Kobbie Mainoo.
However, Bruno’s comments only highlight the need for United to sign a central midfielder.
Man United must go all out to sign Adam Wharton
The current makeup of Man United’s midfield is crying out for a ball-player, someone press resistant who is capable of dictating the tempo of matches.
With Casemiro coming to the end of his career, Ugarte known for his ball-winning and Mainoo being pushed down the pecking order by Amorim, Fernandes has essentially hinted at signing someone.
United have been linked to Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton, and he’s the perfect player for the deep-lying role.
| Adam Wharton’s 2025/26 stats |
| 6 appearances |
| 4.5 balls recovered per game |
| 1 tackle per game |
| 1 interception per game |
| 5 big chances created |
| 81% pass completion |
The England international has averaged 5.98 progressive passes in the past year and 2.12 key passes per game [FBref].
Wharton is incredible at taking the ball under pressure and driving up the pitch, something Amorim currently lacks in his engine room.
That is why the Red Devils must go all out to sign the 21-year-old, as he would not only transform their midfield but also give Bruno the license to return to his number 10 role.