Manchester United legend Paul Scholes has publicly urged his former club to make two surprise signings before the transfer deadline: Tottenham Hotspur defender Cristian Romero and Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton. Scholes' comments come as United manager Michael Carrick looks to strengthen his squad further, with the club already securing the arrivals of Youri Tielemans, Andrey Santos, and Karl Darlow this summer.
Scholes identifies defensive weakness
Speaking on The Good, The Bad & The Football podcast, Scholes expressed his belief that United's current centre-back options are insufficient for the club's ambitions. He specifically named Romero, who is reportedly available for a fee in the region of £30-40 million, as a target United should pursue.
“I think they sorted out the forward areas last summer but I think they probably need two centre backs,” Scholes said. “You might laugh at this and I might get stick for this, but I would go and sign Christian Romero from Tottenham. I know he’s a nutter, I know he’s got disciplinary issues, but he can be a very good centre half and someone that Michael Carrick could really calm down.”
Romero, who started in the 2022 World Cup final for Argentina, is set to leave Spurs this summer. Atletico Madrid currently lead the race for his signature, but Arsenal have also expressed interest in a shock deal with their north London rivals. Scholes believes the 28-year-old's experience and quality would be a significant upgrade for United's backline.
Midfield addition: Wharton the 'perfect' fit
In addition to his defensive concerns, Scholes turned his attention to midfield, where he believes Adam Wharton would be an ideal addition. Wharton, valued at around £85 million by Crystal Palace, has been linked with many of Europe's biggest clubs over the past two years.
“I can’t believe they’re not trying to buy Adam Wharton,” Scholes added. “Sandro Tonali would have been my first-choice but with him gone now, Adam Wharton looks perfect to me.”
Tonali, who recently left Newcastle United for Tottenham in a deal worth £85 million, was Scholes' preferred option. However, with that move now complete, the former England international believes Wharton represents the best available alternative to bolster United's engine room.
United's transfer priorities
Carrick is reportedly keen to add a new left-back, another forward, and possibly a third midfielder before the summer transfer window closes. While Scholes' suggestions focus on a centre-back and a midfielder, they highlight the ongoing need for squad depth at Old Trafford.
United have already invested in several positions this summer, but Scholes' comments suggest that the club's defensive options remain a cause for concern. The current centre-back pairing has come under scrutiny, and the addition of a player like Romero could provide the leadership and composure needed at the back.
Wharton, meanwhile, would add creativity and energy to United's midfield, complementing the existing options. The 22-year-old has impressed since his move to Crystal Palace and is widely regarded as one of the brightest young talents in the Premier League.
Reaction and implications
Scholes' public endorsement of Romero and Wharton is likely to fuel speculation about United's transfer activity in the coming weeks. Fans will be eager to see if the club heeds the advice of one of its greatest ever players.
While no formal bids have been made public, the transfer window remains open until the end of August, leaving time for United to act on these suggestions. Whether they do remains to be seen, but Scholes' comments have certainly added to the intrigue surrounding the club's summer business.
