Manchester United were expected to be highly active during this summer’s transfer window, with the need for greater squad depth evident ahead of a crucial 2026/27 campaign in both the Premier League and Champions League.

The club have already addressed one of their key weaknesses in midfield, completing the impressive double signing of Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans for a combined £85 million.

With midfielders elsewhere in the Premier League fetching inflated prices, United can view the deals as sound business. However, there is still an argument that a third addition to the engine room is necessary.

Defensive reinforcements are also likely to be needed, particularly at left-back. Luke Shaw remains the club’s only senior option in that position, and it seems unlikely that he will be able to maintain the level of availability he enjoyed last season.

With less than two weeks remaining before the transfer window closes, Michael Carrick has suggested that he would like any further additions to be completed before the deadline.

Despite the fact that United are clearly looking to sign at least one more player before deadline day, there are no clues about who that player could be.

Unlike in prior years, the Reds are working in secret. The deals for Santos and Tielemans were wrapped up before the media caught along.

One name United have previously been linked to is Adam Wharton of Crystal Palace. He was even an option before his move to South London from Blackburn Rovers.

Wharton is a top player and Paul Scholes believes that he is a 'perfect' option for his former club and is bewildered that United are not making a move for him.

Speaking on the latest episode of The Good, The Bad, And The Football, Scholes said: “I can’t believe Manchester United are not trying to buy Adam Wharton.

“I think I’ve said on here before that Sandro Tonali would’ve been my first choice. But obviously with him gone now, Adam Wharton looks perfect for me.”

You can understand why Scholes likes Wharton as the Palace midfielder thrives through his his smart passing in the middle of the park, similarly to the United legend.

However, after the addition of Tielemans, many would argue that United should now be looking at a player who can cover large distances in the midfield.

Carrick has several solid ball-players at his disposal but there is not currently a player who is comparable to the top physical midfielders in the league such as Declan Rice or Moisés Caicedo.

Wharton is a wonderful passer of the ball but physicality is arguably his worst trait. There is no doubt that he would offer United some top qualities, but he might not be the right fit after the business the Reds have already conducted this summer.