Manchester United have entered a new phase under Ruben Amorim, but the Man Utd Midfield Transfer Concern remains a pressing issue as the club continues its search for a long-term solution in central midfield.
With the January window and summer of 2026 approaching, debate has intensified after former United striker Dwight Yorke advised the manager to avoid signing Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton, claiming the 21-year-old is surrounded by “too much hype”.
The Man Utd Midfield Transfer Concern has been a recurring theme for over two seasons, particularly after the club shifted transfer priorities in the last window towards bolstering the attack and reinforcing the goalkeeping department.
United still believe that the midfield needs a complete refresh if they are to compete for major honours again.
Yorke skeptical as Wharton interest rises
Yorke did not hold back in his assessment of Wharton, who recently made his first England start against Albania and has been widely praised for his composure on the ball.
“I’m not sure Adam Wharton is the answer,” Yorke said via Snabbare. “He’s still not quite there for me yet and that’s an area we have to improve. United used to have a fantastic number six during their most successful years.”
His comments add weight to the Man Utd Midfield Transfer Concern, as the club evaluates several options in what is becoming one of the most difficult positions to fill in the modern game. Although Wharton has risen quickly at Crystal Palace, Yorke believes the leap to Old Trafford may be too steep at this stage.
United exploring alternatives, but prices remain an obstacle
The Man Utd Midfield Transfer Concern is not helped by the prices being quoted across the Premier League. United held early talks with Brighton over Carlos Baleba, but the Seagulls demanded £100 million — a figure considered excessive by United.
More recently, attention has turned to Elliot Anderson. The Newcastle midfielder has enjoyed a breakout period, earning regular England call-ups in the last three months.
Data from the current Premier League season shows Anderson ranking closely with Declan Rice and Moisés Caicedo in ball recoveries, progressive passes, and tackling efficiency — an indication of his growing value.
Still, the Man Utd Midfield Transfer Concern remains unresolved, with each target presenting either financial complications or questions about readiness.
Why the midfield has become United’s biggest structural issue
At the heart of the Man Utd Midfield Transfer Concern is the lack of a long-term anchor. Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes have been Amorim’s trusted pairing this season, with the Brazilian enjoying a revival after a difficult 2023-24 campaign. However, both players fall into the short-term category.
Casemiro will be 34 next February, and his £350,000-per-week contract has been viewed as unsustainable by the new ownership group. Fernandes, meanwhile, has a deal until 2027 but is expected to require a long-term replacement in the next few years.
Yorke believes United have failed to recruit a midfielder capable of “setting the tempo, dictating play, defending strongly, and passing forward with purpose”. He adds that such players are “rare”, which explains why the Man Utd Midfield Transfer Concern persists despite significant investment.
Amorim’s dilemma: Build for the future or trust experienced stars?
With United drawing their last two league matches against Nottingham Forest and Tottenham, the push for consistency has been interrupted. Amorim remains convinced that Casemiro and Maguire deserve contract extensions, but the Brazilian’s wages could complicate negotiations.
The Man Utd Midfield Transfer Concern also impacts Amorim’s tactical direction. His system relies heavily on a disciplined, technically secure number six — a role that determined the success of his Sporting CP teams. Without a suitable long-term option at Old Trafford, his development plan slows down.
Injuries and fixture pressure highlight the need for depth
United prepare to host Everton on Monday, hoping to return to winning ways. However, Benjamin Sesko’s knee injury means he will miss a month of action, and Lisandro Martínez is still working toward his first appearance of the season. Maguire could return against the Toffees, providing some stability at the back.
The Man Utd Midfield Transfer Concern becomes more visible during busy periods like these, when squad rotation exposes the lack of an elite defensive midfielder capable of controlling games consistently.
Is Wharton worth the gamble? The analytical view
While Yorke dismisses Wharton as overhyped, statistics show he has strengths United value:
A 90% passing accuracy rate at Palace
Strong ball progression numbers compared to midfielders in his age group
Increasing defensive output since his first England call-up
Still, the question remains whether he can immediately solve the Man Utd Midfield Transfer Concern or whether he represents a long-term project that United may not have the patience for.
Elliot Anderson appears the more refined option, while Baleba’s price pushes him out of reach. Wharton, at 21, sits between both profiles — promising but not yet proven at the highest level.
United must get this decision right
As the club approaches crucial transfer windows, the Man Utd Midfield Transfer Concern will define the direction of Ruben Amorim’s project. With Casemiro ageing, Fernandes nearing the final stretch of his peak years, and critics urging restraint on Wharton, United must balance ambition with clarity.
Yorke’s warning is clear: United cannot afford another midfield experiment. The next signing must anchor the team for years, not months.
Whether Wharton becomes that solution or not, the Man Utd Midfield Transfer Concern will continue to dominate discussions until United find the player capable of restoring control and authority in the centre of the pitch.
