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Manchester United kicked off the new Premier League campaign on a disappointing note with a 1-0 defeat to Arsenal at Old Trafford on Sunday.
Despite the setback, Ruben Amorim's team can take some solace from the encouraging performances of new acquisitions Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha. Attention will now turn to striker Benjamin Sesko to provide the crucial goals following United's weekend showing.
United supporters remain optimistic that a fresh midfielder will arrive before the summer transfer window shuts on 1 September. Carlos Baleba from Brighton and Adam Wharton of Crystal Palace, who has previously been linked with Liverpool, have emerged as the most regularly discussed targets in recent weeks.
Liverpool is not expected to swoop for Wharton this summer, with a center-back and forward at the top of the Merseyside club's transfer shortlist.
However, there's a chance Wharton could be linked with Liverpool again in future transfer windows, if United doesn't make a move for him this summer.
Whilst Baleba's transfer seems unlikely with Brighton refusing to lower their £100 million ($135.2 million) valuation, former United center-back Rio Ferdinand has called on the club to pursue the latter.
As reported by The Independent, Palace could also demand £100 million for Wharton this summer, perhaps even more.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ferdinand commented: "We've been talking about Baleba, he's been the hot topic for the last month or so, but before that, Adam Wharton was one of the guys I was saying.
"He's the nearest to a Michael Carrick type, who's a controller, who can play, who plays forward from that deeper line position at times.
"He can be an eight if you need him to be and can run on at times if need be, but he's more of a conductor and can control things.
"I watched him in a couple of games last season against big teams like Man City and Liverpool, and he looks unfazed. He looks ready for a big occasion.
"He enjoys pressure, can play under pressure, and the game kind of slows down when the ball is around him. I love him. I think he's a fantastic footballer."
All attention is expected to focus on Wharton once more this campaign, should he stay at Selhurst Park.
The 21-year-old was ruled out for nearly three months due to a groin problem last term but came back to deliver a standout performance in the club's FA Cup success.
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