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Paul Scholes recommends Adam Wharton to Manchester United
11th August, 2026 05:08 PM
Manchester United legend Paul Scholes has called on the club to make two significant additions before the summer transfer window closes, identifying Tottenham Hotspur centre-back Cristian Romero and Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton as players who could strengthen Michael Carrick’s squad.
Scholes believes United still have important gaps to address, particularly in central defence and midfield, if they are to challenge seriously at the top level.
Scholes wants United to strengthen at centre-back
Although Manchester United have already added several players during the transfer window, Scholes feels the squad still lacks sufficient quality in defence despite Carrick’s optimism.
The former United midfielder has therefore encouraged the club to compete with Arsenal and Atletico Madrid for Romero, who has emerged as a transfer target for several major European clubs.
Scholes believes the Argentina international possesses the experience and ability required to improve United’s defence and feels Carrick could help manage the defender’s temperament.
Speaking on The Good, The Bad & The Football podcast, Scholes said: “I think they sorted out the forward areas last summer but I think they probably need two centre backs. You might laugh at this and I might get stick for this, but I would go and sign Christian Romero from Tottenham.”
He acknowledged Romero’s disciplinary problems but argued that his defensive qualities could make him a worthwhile acquisition for United.
“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. They’re talking about 30 or 40 million quid for a player who has been centre half in a World Cup final. I know he’s got disciplinary issues but I would go and get him. I think they’re desperate for a centre-back, the current ones aren’t good enough.”
Adam Wharton also on Scholes’ shortlist
Scholes also believes United should strengthen their midfield by making a move for Crystal Palace star Adam Wharton.
The recommendation comes after United missed out on Sandro Tonali, who chose to join Tottenham. Scholes had considered the Newcastle midfielder his preferred option but now sees Wharton as an excellent alternative.
Wharton has enjoyed a highly successful spell with Palace, helping the club secure both the FA Cup and Conference League.
However, Manchester United would reportedly need to spend around £85 million to persuade Palace to sell the young midfielder, making the proposed deal a significant financial commitment.
Scholes explained his preference on the same podcast: “I can’t believe they’re not trying to buy Adam Wharton. Sandro Tonali would have been my first-choice but with him gone now, Adam Wharton looks perfect to me.”
Carrick still has time to reshape the squad
United have two more pre-season fixtures scheduled against Leeds United and AC Milan before their Premier League opener against Hull City on August 22.
Carrick will have until September 3, 2026, to complete further additions and decide which players will leave the club, with Joshua Zirkzee among those whose future remains under consideration.
With the transfer deadline approaching, United’s decision-makers will have to determine whether to follow Scholes’ recommendations and pursue further defensive and midfield reinforcements.
