Manchester United are currently preparing a big-money move for the ‘sensational’ midfielder, with Ruben Amorim also said to be a personal favorite, making him a priority target.
Manchester United preparing to sign midfielder following Scholes’ Maynou comments
Paul Scholes recently revealed that he believes Coby Mainu needs to leave his boyhood club given his lack of game time this season, saying: “In terms of his football career, he has to leave Man United. He has lost 18 months of development.
“I hope he goes abroad, but it would be embarrassing if he went to Chelsea. They’ve put together a very good young team so they might go get him. They keep buying young players and proper young players.”
Mainu is yet to start a Premier League game, but he impressed in the 4-1 defeat to Wolverhampton Wanderers last time out, coming on as a substitute in the second half.
The Englishman’s recent form may give Amorim something to think about, but with his future up in the air, the Red Devils have set their sights on a new central midfielder.
This comes as reports from Spain claim that Man United are preparing a bid of €100m (£87m) for Crystal Palace star Adam Wharton, who is currently considered an ‘absolute priority’ target in the center of the park.
Amorim is personally keen to sign for the England international, and with Casemiro likely to leave the club when his contract expires next summer, the signing of a new central midfielder is thought to be essential.
Crystal Palace have been reluctant to sell one of their prized assets, but interest has now increased, with Manchester City, Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur also interested.
Signing ‘sensational’ Wharton would soften the blow of Mainu’s departure
It’s always a great shame when an academy graduate leaves, especially a talented player like Mainu. The 20-year-old played a huge role in United’s victory in the 2024 FA Cup final, scoring against Manchester City.
However, he has played just 183 minutes in the Premier League this season, and his development has been hampered by a lack of game time, so it would be understandable if the youngster wanted to leave amid interest from reigning Serie A champions Napoli.
Amorim’s priority target: Manchester United strengthen interest in Madrid’s ‘special’ star
Manchester United are currently in the hunt for a ‘special’ player
However, signing Wharton could soften the blow of losing Maynou, with Palace’s star player, 21, just like the Stockport-born midfielder, and has produced top-quality performances this season.
Most recently, the English player provided an assist in Palace’s 2-1 win away to Fulham, but he has also continued to perform well at international level, completing three vital passes in the Three Lions’ game against Albania last month, maintaining a pass success rate of 91%.
Having proven himself for club and country, Wharton could be a great addition to Man United and it is exciting news that a bid is in the works.
