Manchester United legend Paul Scholes has identified the midfielder he believes the club should prioritise signing instead of Brighton youngster Carlos Baleba, who has been strongly linked with a move to Old Trafford.
Although Baleba has emerged as a reported target for Manchester United, Scholes insisted that the club would be better served moving for Adam Wharton of Crystal Palace, arguing that the England youth international offers more technical quality than the 21-year-old Cameroonian.
The former midfielder compared Baleba to Chelsea’s Moises Caicedo, stressing that while the Brighton star has potential, he does not yet possess the refined qualities United require in their midfield.
“Baleba is very young. Quality-wise, is he quite there? I think he is almost in a Caicedo type of way,” Scholes told Sky Sports.
“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.
“I’d probably say I’d go for Wharton. I think he is got more quality than Baleba. It is close between Elliot Anderson and Wharton. I would just pick Wharton.”
Scholes’ endorsement of Wharton adds another layer to Manchester United’s ongoing search for midfield reinforcements as the club looks to strengthen ahead of the next transfer window.
About the Author
