Man Utd in talks to seal their best signing since Bruno Fernandes

Manchester United have endured a week to remember under Michael Carrick, with the temporary boss making an immediate impact in the role at Old Trafford.

He led the side to a Manchester derby win on home soil last Saturday, before inflicting a first home Premier League defeat of the season on leaders Arsenal.

Whilst it’s certainly early days in his stint at the helm, the 44-year-old is certainly doing himself no harm in increasing his chances of a permanent appointment in the summer.

It remains unclear whether he would be open to taking the reins long-term, but it’s evident from his first two outings that he’s able to extract the best out of the players at his disposal.

However, the hierarchy could also look to back Carrick in his quest after recent triumphs, with numerous players currently being linked with moves to join the Red Devils.

The central midfield department is an area that United have targeted improvement over recent months, with Nottingham Forest star Elliot Anderson just one player they have been hunting.

The Red Devils have previously held talks with Sean Dyche’s side currently demanding a fee in the region of £100m to part ways with the 23-year-old, who’s the only player to play every minute in the league this season.

However, a battle for his signature appears to be on the cards, with rivals Manchester City also desperately wanting to secure a move for his services.

Anderson isn’t the only option in their sights at present, with Crystal Palace star Adam Wharton another player the club seem to be huge admirers of at present.

According to TEAMtalk, Carrick’s men have already made contact with Oliver Glasner’s side over a move for the 21-year-old, who is one of the division’s hottest properties.

The report also states that rivals Liverpool are also extremely keen on a move for his signature, which, like Anderson, could lead to a huge battle in the near future.

It adds that a deal appears more likely in the summer, with a transfer fee in the region of £65-£80m currently being mooted, but that could change in the weeks ahead.

Why Wharton would be United’s best signing since Bruno

In an attempt to return to their former glory, United have spent huge funds, with over £800m being spent on new additions since the summer of 2022 alone.

Bruno Fernandes has been the linchpin in the Red Devils’ attempts in recent years, with no new addition able to dislodge the 31-year-old from being a regular starter.

The Portuguese international joined for a reported £47m back in the winter of 2020, with very few fans able to predict the huge impact he would have on the first-team squad.

He’s now racked up 312 appearances for the club, scoring 103 times, whilst laying on 94 assists for his teammates – with no player registering more during such a period.

Fernandes, who is the club captain, has registered 11 goal contributions in his last nine outings, subsequently showcasing his importance to the side at present.

However, a move for Wharton could allow him to be the best signing since Bruno, with the Englishman undoubtedly a player who could make himself a fan-favourite at Old Trafford.

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The 21-year-old has been in remarkable form during the 2025/26 campaign, with his arrival potentially finally filling the void that has been created in the middle of the park in recent months.

Wharton, who’s been dubbed “phenomenal” by content creator HLTCO, has created 1.4 chances per 90, whilst making 5.5 progressive passes per 90 this season.

Such numbers showcase his remarkable ability in possession, with his figures able to provide the United side with the ball-playing talent they have been lacking in recent months.

He’s also completed 50% of the dribbles he’s attempted, with 2.5 of his passes per 90 being accurate long balls – which makes him the perfect option in possession.

However, without the ball, the youngster has been just as impressive, subsequently making himself an excellent Premier League-proven box-to-box option despite his tender age.

He’s made 2.7 tackles and 1.1 interceptions per 90, with both figures highlighting his impressive ability to regain possession at the base of the midfield for Carrick’s men.

£65m would be yet another huge investment from the hierarchy, but it could be a bargain if Wharton manages to remain on his current trajectory and reach his full potential.

It could also allow Bruno to remain in his number ten position at Old Trafford, a role that is no doubt his best – as seen in the recent wins over Manchester City and Arsenal.

However, given the interest from elsewhere, the hierarchy will have to act quickly to secure his services, with Wharton able to be the club’s best addition since the Portuguese international.

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