Manchester United are planning to release Christian Eriksen in order to make place for a sensational raid on Crystal Palace for Adam Wharton, TEAMtalk has learned.
Manchester United are entering a new era under part-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe, and there have already been significant changes throughout the club as they strive to return to the top of English football. On the pitch, there have been big issues, and one player, Eriksen, recently criticized his teammates’ approach.
The Danish international has been open about the troubles at United, possibly because he is out of contract in the summer. There is a lot of interest in his services from teams around Europe, and reports indicate United is willing to let him go in search of new talent.
Ratcliffe and sporting director Dan Ashworth have made it clear that they want to see the greatest British talent at United, and midfielder Wharton has piqued the interest of recruiters at Old Trafford with his outstanding performances for Crystal Palace.
His performance also earned him a call-up to the England squad and a significant boost to his status in European sport. United, Arsenal, Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur, and Bayern Munich have all kept watch of his progress.
On September 24, TEAMtalk revealed that Manchester City, United’s opponents, have also identified Wharton as a potential replacement for the injured Rodri.
Eriksen, meanwhile, is unlikely to sign a new contract because his age (32) and importance to the team have made him an expendable asset for United. The club wants to keep the average age low and focus on the brightest young talent in the country.
Palace has made it clear that they would not be forced into selling their best assets, as Newcastle United discovered when trying to sign Marc Guehi in the summer. Palace turned down a deal worth up to £70 million (€84.2 million / US$93.3 million) for the centre-back, demonstrating their determination to pay top dollar.
Wharton would not come cheap, as he is one of the league’s most promising young players, and many believe he will follow in the footsteps of Declan Rice, who has become one of the finest midfielders in the country. Wharton is unlikely to move in January, but United are planning a major proposal in the summer of 2025.
Meanwhile, GiveMeSport reports that United have intensified their chase of Fulham star Antonee Robinson as they attempt to add a new left-back.
Amid Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia’s injury issues, United officials believe 27-year-old Robinson can secure the post for years to come.
Meanwhile, former United head scout Mick Brown has expressed concern about manager Erik ten Hag’s future.
“From what I hear, he doesn’t have long left, the way things are going,” Brown stated in a new interview.
“I wouldn’t be surprised if anything occurs, but removing the manager at this time of year means they’ll need to find a successor soon.
“But they’ll feel compelled to put a marker in the sand.
“They need to demonstrate the players, supporters, and everyone else that this isn’t good enough and they won’t stand for it.
“That’s what they want to say: this hasn’t been good enough. They’d do it if they let him go.
“Ten Hag is coming up with the same ideas every week, and it isn’t working. That will be a significant problem for the club.”
Brown said that Ten Hag’s No. 2, Ruud van Nistelrooy, would be a ‘great fit’ for the position.
Sources have already told TEAMtalk that United executives see Van Nistelrooy as a potential contender for the interim job if Ten Hag is fired.
The former striker would then be given the opportunity to impress and maybe secure a permanent position.
