Roy Keane Lists Negatives and Positives of Man Utd Target Adam Wharton

Manchester United target Adam Wharton earned praise from Roy Keane on Sunday night after another composed outing for England, and the former United captain wasn’t shy about spelling out what the young midfielder must add to his game next.

Wharton Growing Into England Role Under Tuchel

Wharton isn’t yet one of Thomas Tuchel’s first-choice midfielders, but the England manager has been keen to keep him involved. Tuchel has introduced him gradually, giving him minutes here and there and maintaining a place for him in the squad as he continues to develop.

Each time Wharton steps onto the pitch, he looks a little more settled, a little more confident and a little more like someone who could become a long-term option for the national side.

And Keane, analysing England’s win on ITV, explained exactly why.

Keane said: “I do like Adam Wharton. A lot of the modern midfielders, their first option seems to be ‘can I go sideways or backwards?’ What I like about him, the first option he seems to look at is ‘can I pass it forward?’ and that’s a big strength to have.”

That forward-first instinct is a major reason why Manchester United have been tracking him so closely. INEOS want younger, braver, press-resistant midfielders, players comfortable receiving in tight spaces and breaking lines with purpose, and Wharton’s profile ticks all of those boxes.

Keane Delivers Clear Message to Man Utd Target

But Keane didn’t stop at the compliments. He also highlighted what Wharton still lacks, and what he believes the 20-year-old will need to develop if he wants to operate at the highest level.

He continued: “This is where he can mature over the next year or two if he’s playing at the top level – put demands onto people. He’s a bit soft there. Shout at players, go ‘give me the ball!’ That’s what I used to do… put demands on your team-mates.

“He’s still new to it, so I’m not going to be too harsh on him. But as he matures and starts playing more games, put demands on your team-mates.”

It’s a fair assessment. Wharton’s composure is one of his biggest strengths, but with that calmness sometimes comes a slightly understated presence — something Tuchel has reportedly told his staff he believes will naturally grow with age and top-level minutes.

For now, though, Wharton remains a player Tuchel brings in carefully: trusted, admired, but still being molded. England have plenty of competition in midfield, but every appearance Wharton makes seems to reinforce why he’s part of the long-term plan.

As for Manchester United, Keane’s words will only sharpen the interest already present. Wharton has the technical base, the intelligence, the bravery in possession – everything United want in their next midfield signing. Add the personality and presence that Keane is urging, and he becomes even more appealing.

He doesn’t look out of place on the international stage. Now it’s about growing into it, and both Tuchel and United will be watching closely.