Man Utd Legend Warns Amorim Off Adam Wharton Amid Midfield Hype

Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim has been strongly cautioned by club legend Dwight Yorke to avoid Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton, insisting the young Englishman is surrounded by excessive hype and may not be the solution to United’s midfield search.

Man Utd’s Midfield Hunt and Wharton’s Rising Star

Manchester United, under the stewardship of Ruben Amorim, are actively seeking midfield reinforcements for either the January window or, more likely, the summer of 2026. Last season, the focus shifted to bolstering the attack and goalkeeper positions, leaving a glaring need in central midfield unaddressed.

Among the names linked to Old Trafford are Brighton’s Carlos Baleba—whose £100m valuation scuppered initial talks—and Newcastle’s Elliot Anderson, who has earned plaudits for his recent England displays. However, the latest buzz surrounds 21-year-old Adam Wharton after his impressive England debut against Albania. Despite his potential, Yorke has publicly urged Amorim to look elsewhere.

Dwight Yorke: “Adam Wharton Not Ready for Manchester United”

Legendary striker Dwight Yorke, via Snabbare, made his stance clear: “I’m not sure Adam Wharton is the answer. He’s not quite ready yet, and that’s a concern for United. Looking back at the club’s most successful years, there was always a dominant number six setting the tempo in midfield.”

Yorke highlighted the club’s ongoing struggles to fill this crucial role. Despite Casemiro’s recent resurgence, Yorke believes United still lack a midfielder who can control the game, defend with intelligence, and progress the ball—a combination that has become increasingly rare in the modern game. “There’s too much hype around some players,” Yorke added, suggesting United might need a figure like Michael Carrick from their past to restore stability.

Casemiro’s Future and United’s Midfield Evolution

Amorim currently relies on captain Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro in central midfield. While Casemiro has bounced back from a shaky 2023-24 campaign—when pundits even recommended a move to Saudi Arabia or MLS—both he and Fernandes are not seen as long-term solutions. Fernandes’ contract runs until 2027, while Casemiro’s expires next summer, with the club able to trigger an additional year. Still, large-scale investment is deemed essential if United are to challenge for Premier League titles again.

Amorim has publicly expressed his desire to extend Casemiro and Harry Maguire’s stays, but the Brazilian’s £350,000-per-week wages and advancing age—he turns 34 in February—pose major hurdles. Co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has reportedly criticized the size and structure of Casemiro’s deal, which cost United up to £70m in 2022.

Injury Updates and Upcoming Fixtures for Manchester United

United are aiming to bounce back after draws against Nottingham Forest and Tottenham Hotspur, which interrupted a prior run of three consecutive wins. However, they face Everton without striker Benjamin Sesko, sidelined for a month with a knee injury sustained in the 2-2 draw against Spurs.

Lisandro Martinez could return for his first appearance of the season, having rejoined Argentina’s training camp but not featuring in games. Harry Maguire is also nearing a comeback. The clash with Everton will mark one year since Amorim’s first game in charge at United.

Opinion: Amorim Needs Patience and Precision in Midfield Rebuild

While Adam Wharton’s rise is exciting for English football, Yorke’s caution is well-founded. Manchester United’s midfield rebuild requires more than raw potential—it demands proven quality and tactical intelligence. With the club at a crossroads, Amorim must resist the urge to chase the hype and instead focus on a disciplined, data-driven approach to recruitment. For more news on United’s transfer plans and the Premier League, visit for more news.