"Manchester United's search for the ideal midfield partner to play alongside Bruno Fernandes is a long-standing issue yet to be properly addressed. With Manuel Ugarte struggling to secure a foothold in the team, Kobbie Mainoo out of favor and the injury-prone Casemiro now 33 years old, the need for another option in the center of Ruben Amorim's midfield is more pressing than ever."
"Fernandes' recent comments about a future transfer suggest that United may even have two midfield roles to fill soon. As such, they have been linked with a huge number of players in recent months, with sources telling ESPN's Rob Dawson in November that at least seven midfielders were under consideration. The various profiles of these options vary between pure distributors, connective passers, ball-winners, box-to-box No. 8s, and attack-minded creators."
"Just 18 months from making his debut, Wharton is now undoubtedly one of the Premier League's most accomplished distributors of the ball. He constantly asks to receive it and is trusted not to lose possession under pressure. Then, once in control, his pass selection is outstanding: he can hit 35-yard switches with precision, incisive line-breaks through pressure, or well-weighted deliveries played into a teammate's stride."
Manchester United lack a settled midfield partner for Bruno Fernandes as Manuel Ugarte struggles for a foothold, Kobbie Mainoo falls out of favor and the injury-prone Casemiro is 33. Fernandes' comments about a future transfer imply United may need to fill two midfield roles. Scouting has targeted at least seven midfielders with profiles ranging from pure distributors and connective passers to ball-winners, box-to-box No. 8s and attack-minded creators. Wharton has emerged as a top distributor: within 18 months of his debut he excels at possession retention, tempo control and precision passing, including 35-yard switches and incisive line breaks, and has adapted to high-intensity systems under Oliver Glasner.
Read at ESPN.com
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