Rene Meulensteen has urged Manchester United to sign Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton before the summer transfer window closes.
The Red Devils reportedly rejected the opportunity to sign Wharton before he joined Palace from Blackburn Rovers for £18 million in February 2024.
Wharton earned rave reviews after progressing through Rovers’ youth system, before showcasing his talents at senior level in the Championship.
Despite him living on their doorstep, United declined the opportunity to sign the midfielder, allowing Palace to secure his services.
He has subsequently established himself as one of the most promising young players in the Premier League with a string of fine performances for Palace.
Wharton was also called up by England for the 2024 European Championship, but was criminally underused by then-manager Gareth Southgate.
Speaking exclusively to ManUtdNews with courtesy to PokerStrategy, Meulensteen believes Wharton would be the ideal fit for United.
“United need to look at good players in midfield,” he said. “You need energy, legs and technically good quality players that understand the rhythm of the game.
“I’m a bit fond of Wharton. I can’t believe that United did not pick him up – he’s got everything. He’s always looking to play forward and is great at retaining the ball.”
Hackney touted as a potential target
United’s recent acquisitions of Chido Obi, Ayden Heaven and other youngsters highlight that the scouting system is adept at unearthing emerging talents.
However, rejecting Wharton is not the only misstep United have made when it comes to identifying young players they can develop into future stars.
Middlesbrough midfielder Hayden Hackney has been linked with a move to the Premier League this summer, and Meulensteen believes United should target him.
“Hayden caught my eye a few years ago and is another player that has got massive potential,” he added.
“You don’t always have to pay massive amounts of money to sign players if you identify the right ones soon enough. There’s no risk involved.”
United’s midfield deficiencies were repeatedly exposed last season as opposing teams targeted their weaknesses in that area.
Casemiro has struggled to cope with the intensity in the Premier League, and Meulensteen cannot understand why United are persevering with him.
“I’ve been saying it for a few years – I think the game is running away from him, so I was surprised he played so much last season,” Meulensteen said.
“If they keep playing him, United are going to face the same problems as last year. Opponents run in behind him, and it causes all sorts of problems.
“They’ve dropped Bruno Fernandes into a deeper role, but you take something away from his threat if you play him there.”
Europa League defeat was a missed opportunity
United’s need for reinforcements was laid bare last season, with the team recording their worst-ever finish in the Premier League era.
They missed the chance to salvage something from the campaign, losing 1-0 against Tottenham Hotspur in a turgid Europa League final.
While some people have claimed that missing out on Champions League qualification is a blessing in disguise, Meulensteen disagrees.
“It was a massive missed opportunity,” he said. “That was their only chance to put a bit of a silver lining on a very poor season.
“United would have been able to back Ruben Amorim more this summer, which would have helped him rebuild the squad much quicker.
“Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo have still signed for the club, which shows it still holds appeal for top players. However, they could miss out on others.
“United had a really stable Europa League campaign last season, where they didn’t lose any games apart from the final.
“The final was possibly one of the worst games I’ve ever seen at that level, and United definitely blew a big opportunity there.”
Sancho advised to find a club which values him
Having failed to live up to expectations in recent years, United are eager to build a squad capable of challenging for major silverware.
Several underperforming players have been told they are surplus requirements, including Jadon Sancho. He has flopped badly since joining the club in 2021.
Sancho has been linked with a return to Borussia Dortmund, although he may feel he still has a point to prove in the Premier League.
While options in England are undoubtedly limited, West Ham United could be a viable option given their need for attacking reinforcements.
Former United player Jesse Lingard previously had a successful loan spell with the Hammers and similarities can be drawn between him and Sancho.
Meulensteen believes Sancho needs to sign for a club which values him.
“For some players, United is not the place for them,” Meulensteen said. “The most important thing they need is to find a place where they are valued.
“Sancho obviously had a good spell at Dortmund, which is why United bought him, but the move has not worked out at all.
“I think he needs to really look at a club that plays a style of football that suits him and a manager who can really help him.
“He needs to go somewhere and work under someone who values him for the player that he is – that’s the only way forward for him.
“Whether that is in the Premier League or abroad again, I don’t know, but he needs to make the right move this summer.”
