Ben Foster thinks he’s figured out exactly why Man Utd want to sign Adam Wharton from Crystal Palace

Ben Foster has argued against suggestions that Crystal Palace sensation Adam Wharton is ‘overrated’ and believes the midfielder could solve a big problem at Manchester United.

Despite signing five players in the summer, Manchester United overlooked the midfield department, and it has now become an even bigger topic of conversation.

Ruben Amorim has opted for a midfield pivot of Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro, but that has led to debate over Kobbie Mainoo being overlooked, as well as the shortage of alternative options after losing Christian Eriksen in the summer.

Manuel Ugarte has made seven appearances this season, but the jury is still out for the Uruguay international following his 2024 transfer from Paris Saint-Germain.

United are expected to sign a midfielder in 2024 after a failed pursuit of Carlos Baleba from Brighton in the summer. The demand will only increase unless Amorim finds an answer to the problems during the 2025/26 campaign.

Ben Foster hails Man Utd target Adam Wharton

Like Mainoo, United target Adam Wharton was overlooked by Thomas Tuchel for the latest England squad.

The 21-year-old midfielder was omitted from Tuchel’s 24-man squad this month, despite starring in Crystal Palace’s impressive start to the season.

Yet to receive a senior call-up for England, there will be more questions asked of Tuchel if he overlooks Wharton again – for the likes of Jordan Henderson – when the international teams meet up again in November.

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United fans would be asking the same questions of Tuchel if Mainoo was getting regular football under Amorim, but the admired United academy graduate finds himself in an awkward position ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

Former United goalkeeper Ben Foster is the latest to suggest that Wharton would be an ideal signing for the Red Devils.

Speaking on The Cycling GK YouTube channel, Foster dismissed claims that Wharton is ‘overrated’ and stressed that he is the perfect profile of a player to improve United’s midfield.

Foster said: “I think there’s always a lot said about Adam Wharton, isn’t there? I always read a lot of stuff saying, ‘God, he’s so overrated.’

“And I think you need to watch him for the eye test first and foremost. Go to a game and watch him and see what he’s capable of. See how he moves around the pitch, how he operates. And it’s a thing of beauty. It’s effortless. He guides around the pitch, but he’s got legs as well.

“He’s got legs. That’s the bit there that Man United are interested in. They’ve got nobody in there at the minute who has those legs that can get about and that vision of passing and that calmness and control when he’s got the ball as well.”

United also sent scouts to watch Germany international Aleksandar Pavlovic, who is the latest exciting product from Bayern Munich’s conveyor belt that once produced Bastian Schweinsteiger.

Over the coming months, United will be keeping a close eye on their midfield targets, and the list may grow if more talent catches the attention of club scouts.

Wharton will be trying to maintain his current levels regardless of United’s interest because he will want to represent England at the 2026 World Cup.

Thomas Tuchel explained Adam Wharton’s latest snub

Many felt Wharton had done enough to warrant a call-up for England’s games against Wales and Latvia.

Wharton has no other choice but to continue working hard to knock on the door for an England call-up. All he needs to do is perform like he has done and it will only be a matter of time before his consistency is rewarded.

The Palace starlet confirmed that Tuchel explained his recent snub from the national team.

“He gave me a message saying I’m playing well, I’m close and I deserve to be there but he’s going to stick with the same team,” Wharton said, as quoted by BBC Sport.

“That’s football, I’m not too fussed about that. I can take the time off, go see my grandparents, and it’s not the end of the world as there’s another camp next month.

“Nothing is expected. England have some top players and he’s got a lot of players to choose from. No matter who he picks someone is not going to get in and there will be a fuss about it.

“I can’t sit here and cry about it, this is football and I’m happy playing for Palace and getting minutes and trying to do as well as I can and improve and if I get picked, I get picked.

“If not I’ll carry on playing for Palace and enjoying it – there’s nothing else I can do really.

“Obviously everyone wants to play for their country if they get chosen but, like I said, this is football and he’s got plenty of top players to choose from and that’s what he gets paid to do, pick the team and help England do well.

“Hopefully they kick on and get the results they need to qualify for the World Cup. I’ll keep knocking on the door and if I’m in, I’m in and if not I’ll carry on.”

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