"He Would Improves Them” – Alan Shearer Names Midfielder Who Could Transform Manchester United

Manchester United’s long-term rebuild continues to take shape, and midfield remains one of the clearest areas in need of serious attention. With Casemiro expected to depart and question marks still hanging over other options in the engine room, the club are preparing for a busy period of recruitment. Now, a familiar Premier League name has been thrown firmly into the conversation, with Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton tipped as a player who could significantly raise United’s level.

United’s midfield plans have already taken a few twists. Last summer, the club made Brighton’s Carlos Baleba their top target, identifying the Cameroon international as the ideal blend of power, energy and technical quality. Personal terms were reportedly agreed, with Baleba keen on the move, but Brighton’s valuation believed to be north of £100 million proved a step too far. United eventually pulled out, unwilling to commit such a huge chunk of their budget to a single deal.

That decision has forced United to widen their search. Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson remains high on the list, while Wharton’s name has continued to surface as a more Premier League-ready alternative. And now, former England captain Alan Shearer has added weight to the argument that the Palace midfielder would be a smart addition at Old Trafford.

Speaking to Betfair, Shearer was clear in his assessment of Wharton’s ability and potential impact. “I think Adam Wharton is a brilliant talent,” he said, praising Palace for snapping him up from Blackburn for around £20 million. That move already looks inspired, with Wharton quickly establishing himself as a key figure in Oliver Glasner’s side when fit.

Shearer did acknowledge that extracting Wharton from Selhurst Park would not be straightforward. Palace are going through a period of uncertainty, with transfer speculation swirling around several senior players, and any sale would come at a premium. “If Wharton was to leave Palace, he would have a lot of clubs after him,” Shearer explained. “And I mean the big clubs as well who have got money to spend. He would also cost a few quid.”

Yet despite the expected price tag, Shearer believes the midfielder’s quality justifies the interest. Crucially for United fans, he added: “Wherever he went, if he went to Man United, he would improve them. Same with Newcastle, same with Liverpool.” It is rare praise, placing Wharton in a bracket of players capable of slotting into almost any top Premier League side.

What makes Wharton such an appealing option is his balance. Comfortable receiving the ball under pressure, he has the calmness and awareness to dictate play from deep areas, while also possessing the mobility to cover ground defensively. At 21, he already shows maturity beyond his years, often acting as the link between defence and attack. For a United side that has too often looked disjointed in midfield, that profile is easy to admire.

There are, however, caveats. Shearer himself pointed to Wharton’s injury history as the main concern, describing the “one or two niggling injuries” that have interrupted his rhythm. For a club like United, who have struggled badly with fitness issues in recent seasons, that will be a major consideration. Any move would likely involve extensive medical checks and careful planning around workload.

Financial reality also shapes the discussion. United are expected to sign at least one high-level midfielder, but bringing in two players of Wharton and Anderson’s profile would be hugely expensive. Combined, such deals could approach the £200 million mark — a figure that would restrict investment in other key areas. As a result, the club are likely to prioritise one marquee midfield signing, supported by cheaper squad additions.

The situation is made even more pressing by potential departures. Casemiro’s exit feels inevitable, while Manuel Ugarte’s future is far from secure after an inconsistent spell. Michael Carrick’s arrival as interim head coach has brought short-term stability and impressive results, but long-term success will depend on building a midfield that can control games, not just react to them.

In that context, Wharton represents a blend of present ability and future upside. He is young enough to grow with the team, experienced enough to cope with Premier League intensity, and technically sound enough to suit a possession-based approach. Whether United decide to move this summer or wait until 2026, as some reports suggest, his name is unlikely to disappear from their shortlist.

For now, Wharton remains a Crystal Palace player, but the message from Shearer is clear. If United are serious about upgrading their midfield quality and building a side capable of competing again at the very top, Adam Wharton is exactly the type of player who could help move them forward.