Merson's Transfer Verdict: Wharton Over Anderson for Manchester United
Sky Sports pundit Paul Merson has delivered a clear recommendation to Manchester United regarding their summer transfer plans, urging the club to abandon their interest in Nottingham Forest's Elliot Anderson and instead prioritise the signing of his England team-mate Adam Wharton from Crystal Palace.
The Midfield Conundrum at Old Trafford
Manchester United's ongoing quest to strengthen their midfield has been a persistent narrative this season. Despite a significant £200 million investment last summer in attacking reinforcements like Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo, and Benjamin Sesko, the central engine room remained a concern. Manager Michael Carrick, who took over from Ruben Amorim, has revitalised the unit with Kobbie Mainoo's resurgence alongside Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes. However, with Casemiro's impending departure and a quiet January window, the need for fresh, high-quality midfield options has become increasingly urgent for the club's hierarchy.
The Red Devils had previously identified a shortlist of potential targets, including Anderson, Wharton, and Brighton's Carlos Baleba. An approach for Baleba proved unsuccessful, leaving the search active as the summer window approaches.
Merson's Analysis: Questioning the 'Wow' Factor
Paul Merson, speaking on Sky Sports News, expressed significant reservations about United's reported strong interest in 23-year-old Elliot Anderson. Anderson has cemented his place in Thomas Tuchel's England squad ahead of the upcoming World Cup, but Merson questioned his suitability for a club of United's stature.
'I like Elliot Anderson, but I'm not wow-factored over him,' Merson stated bluntly. 'They're fourth bottom of the league, Forest, so they're not dominating all midfields, are they? And if you're a midfield player, that's where the engine is. I don't see him running the show in midfield at Nottingham Forest, and we're talking about Manchester United.'
His conclusion was unequivocal: 'I would go for Adam Wharton ahead of him.'
The Financial and Footballing Case for Wharton
The financial implications of this choice are substantial. Reports suggest Nottingham Forest would demand a staggering fee between £100 million and £120 million to even consider selling Anderson. In contrast, Crystal Palace's valuation for Adam Wharton is believed to sit in the £80 million to £100 million bracket, potentially representing a more cost-effective investment for similar, or in Merson's view, superior quality.
Wharton, 22, has publicly outlined his ambitions to compete at the highest level. In an interview with Sky Sports, he expressed a clear desire to play Champions League football and feature in the World Cup, aligning with United's aspirations. 'Obviously there's a World Cup in the summer. Everyone wants to play at the World Cup. You'd be stupid if you didn't. Champions League, everyone, if you can play Champions League, you want to play Champions League,' he said, also acknowledging room for improvement in all aspects of his game.
The midfielder is under a long-term contract at Selhurst Park until June 2029 and has also attracted reported interest from United's rivals Liverpool, underscoring his market value.
A Pivotal Summer Decision
As Manchester United plan their strategy for the upcoming transfer window, the debate over which young English midfielder to target is intensifying. Paul Merson's public intervention adds significant weight to the argument for Adam Wharton, framing him not only as a potentially better stylistic fit but also as a more prudent financial choice compared to the premium price tag attached to Elliot Anderson. The decision will be a key test of the club's recruitment strategy under Michael Carrick's stewardship.
