Reports suggest that Manchester United is eyeing a double swoop for Crystal Palace’s Jean-Philippe Mateta and Adam Wharton, with potential assistance from Manchester City in the transfer process.
Manchester United aims to strengthen their center-forward and central midfield positions in 2026. Despite signing Benjamin Sesko, Bryan Mbeumo, and Matheus Cunha in the summer to bolster their attack, Mbeumo’s upcoming absence for AFCON and Sesko’s recovery from a knee injury have left them seeking further options. Additionally, United is looking for a new defensive midfield anchor to replace players like Casemiro and Manuel Ugarte.
In their significant summer expenditure, United acquired five new players, including Diego Leon, Senne Lammens, Sesko, Mbeumo, and Cunha. Looking ahead, they are targeting additions in the areas of center-forward, central midfielder, wing-back, and goalkeeper.
Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson is the primary target in midfield, but United is also eyeing Wharton as part of a potential triple signing, with a reported fee of £70 million being quoted. Wharton is also coveted by Tottenham Hotspur, Chelsea, and Liverpool.
Amid this potential double transfer, Palace is eyeing Manchester City’s Divin Mubama as a replacement for Mateta, with the 21-year-old striker’s future at Selhurst Park uncertain due to contract negotiations. Palace has a longstanding interest in Mubama, who has been exceptional on loan at Stoke City this season.
Manchester United faces competition from Arsenal in the pursuit of Mateta, whose contract expires in June 2027, possibly lowering his price tag in January. Additionally, Palace is reportedly tracking Lyon’s Tyler Morton as a potential replacement for Wharton in midfield.
With United’s improved form under Amorim, club officials are optimistic about a top-four finish by the new year. There are also rumors of a wantaway United star being linked with a surprise move to Arsenal, hinting at potential squad changes in the coming transfer windows at both Selhurst Park and Old Trafford.
