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Paul Scholes Tells Man Utd To Sign Wharton Over Baleba and Anderson
Manchester United need a new central midfielder to strengthen their squad, and if anyone knows about playing in that position at Old Trafford it’s Paul Scholes.
The legendary midfielder played 718 games for the Red Devils, scoring 155 goals, and is considered to be one of the club’s greatest ever players after a career littered with success, including 11 Premier League titles, two Champions League trophies and three FA Cups.
Now a pundit, Scholes has watched United’s struggles in recent years and believes the club have gone away from what made them so successful between 1992 and 2013 – having midfielders capable of doing everything.
Paul Scholes: Man Utd Midfielders Should Do Everything
Scholes formed a formidable midfield partnership during his peak with former captain Roy Keane, before taking on a deeper role alongside Michael Carrick in his latter years.
However, even with the likes of Darren Fletcher, Nicky Butt and more providing midfield cover, the team never lacked balance, with everyone able to contribute all over the pitch.
Scholes, speaking to Sky Sports News, admitted that he feels that should be the bare minimum for an Old Trafford midfielder.
“I see the ideal Manchester United midfielder as being able to do everything.
“You can attack, you can defend, you can be part of everything. That’s your job as a midfield player for Manchester United.”
Scholes Wants to Sign Wharton Over Baleba and Anderson
Man Utd have been heavily linked with a new midfielder during 2026 as Ruben Amorim looks to strengthen the squad, with Adam Wharton, Carlos Baleba and Elliot Anderson considered to be leading targets for the role.
When asked which of the three he would prefer to see brought into the club, based on his own high standards and what he feels the team needs most, Scholes was quick to praise them all, but felt Crystal Palace star Wharton would be the best fit.
“I think all three of them are really good players,” he said. “Baleba is very young, but they’re all quite young, aren’t they?
“But Baleba is very young. Quality-wise, is he quite there? I think he’s almost in a Caicedo type of way.
“He’s done really well at Chelsea, don’t get me wrong, but is that the type of player Manchester United need? I’m not sure.
“Adam Wharton is, again, a really good player. Can he get around the pitch? Old Trafford’s a big pitch. It’s a really big pitch to get around, and you need to have some physicality. You need to have legs in that position.
“I’d say, going off the England form, this has surprised me more than anything is Elliot Anderson. I really liked him when he was at Newcastle, but I thought he was more of an attacking player, maybe play the 8 or 10. I don’t like saying numbers, but he looks more of an 8 or 10.
“I’d probably say I’d go Wharton. I still don’t think they’re any of the Manchester United style midfield players, they’re more the style of football these days.
“I just think Wharton’s got a little bit more quality. That’s tough saying that. I think he’s got more quality than Baleba.
“Baleba’s got more legs, so that evens itself out a little bit. It’s close between Elliot Anderson and Wharton. I’d just pick Wharton.”
Whoever Man Utd move for won’t be cheap, and there is no guarantee that any of them join, but Wharton has now received the Scholes seal of approval, so it’s clear who the club should be making their priority target.
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