The former defender has weighed in on his prevous side’s transfer business. (Photo by Naomi Baker/Getty Images)
Rio Ferdinand has urged INEOS to ‘go and get’ one up-and-coming Premier League prospect to reinforce Ruben Amorim’s midfield options this summer.
It comes ahead of a window in which Manchester United will bid farewell to one midfielder in the form of Christian Eriksen when his contract expires, and potentially another if they can find a buyer for Casemiro. The Brazilian has enjoyed a considerable upturn in form this year, but with his deal expiring in 2026, now is the club’s last chance to recuperate any of the £60 million they paid for him.
Alas, reinforcements will be imperative if Amorim has any chance of mounting a top-four charge or clinching any form of silverware in his first full season in the Old Trafford dugout – and Ferdinand reckons he knows just the player to aid the boss’ case: Adam Wharton.
Indeed, Ferdinand has heaped praise on the Michael Carrick-esque Crystal Palace star, who’s hugely impressed since making his return from a lengthy injury setback in February.
Ferdinand: United have to move for youngster Wharton
Wharton’s maiden term at Selhurst Park culminated with him being called up to the England squad for the first-ever time last May before making his debut on June 3. He was subsequently kept in the squad that travelled to Germany for the Euros, although he remained an unused substitute in Gareth Southgate’s final tournament.
Following three months sidelined with a groin complaint, the 21-year-old’s first match back in action came in the closing stages of Palace’s 2-0 win over United in Manchester on February 2. Barring a 2-1 defeat to Everton in matchweek 25, the Eagles have gone unbeaten since Wharton was reintegrated into the fold, overseeing five wins and one draw – as well as booking their spot in the FA Cup semi-finals.
“He’s so calm on the ball, he doesn’t give it away. He never gets flustered. He tracks back, gets forward, and he has a really good all-round game. He looks like a possible star for the future,” Gary Lineker said of Wahrton in the aftermath of Palace’s 1-0 win at Anfield last year.
Explaining his reasoning for pursuing the youngster, Ferdinand told his YouTube channel viewers: “Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton – I’d go and get him.
“The reason why I’d take him is he’s one that can take the ball and transfer it through the middle of the pitch. He’s got a great range of passing. I think he’d be a great addition to the squad- young English talent as well.
“He’s like [Michael] Carrick sometimes, the way he slaps the ball about.”
