da bet vitoria： Manchester United’s spending spree in the summer transfer window was certainly needed for Ruben Amorim if he was to be a success during his time at Old Trafford.

da mrbet： The 40-year-old was backed with over £200m worth of funds to improve his Red Devils squad, subsequently directing the vast majority into the attacking third.

Bryan Mbeumo, Benjamin Sesko and Matheus Cunha were the big-money trio who arrived at Old Trafford, which quickly completed the makeover of the forward department.

However, Amorim may have made a mistake by not adding a new midfielder to his ranks, with issues consistently arising in such a position during the early stages of the Premier League season.

The upcoming January window hands him the opportunity to rectify such mistakes and hopefully push for a place in the top four come the end of the campaign.

United considering move for £52m midfield sensation

In an attempt to improve the options at the heart of the side, United have been linked with numerous targets, but none more so than Crystal Palace youngster Adam Wharton.

The 21-year-old has been a player they have been tracking for many months, but have never made a formal approach for his signature up until the present day.

That could change in January, especially given the recent rumours, which have strongly linked the Eagles sensation with a winter switch back up North in the coming months.

However, Wharton isn’t the only player currently in their sights, with Lille star Ayyoub Bouaddi a player who the hierarchy have been spotted watching in recent months.

According to TEAMtalk, the Red Devils see the 18-year-old as the perfect long-term Casemiro replacement, but also as an immediate option to improve the depth at Old Trafford.

They also claim that Chelsea, Real Madrid and PSG are all in the race to land the teenager, with the Ligue 1 outfit currently demanding a fee in the region of €60m (£52m) for his services.

Why Bouaddi would be better than Anderson & Wharton

Alongside Wharton, Elliot Anderson has been yet another midfielder who has been touted with a move to join United ahead of January, but he would likely be the most expensive addition.

The Nottingham Forest star has endured a huge rise over the last couple of months, even becoming a regular starter under Thomas Tuchel within the England setup.

He’s also featured in every minute of the Reds’ league campaign during 2025/26, which has resulted in a £100m asking price ahead of the upcoming window.

Such a fee could prove to be out of the Red Devils’ price range, especially considering their club-record still stands at £89m for the signing of Paul Pogba back in 2016.

However, a deal for Bouaddi could be a blessing in disguise, with the teenager arguably already a bigger talent than both of the aforementioned targets.

At just 18, he has bags of time to reach the next level in his development at Old Trafford, potentially allowing for a bargain transfer at his reported £52m asking price.

When comparing his stats to those of Anderson and Wharton from the ongoing campaign, the French superstar has massively outperformed the pair in numerous key areas – showcasing the talent he possesses.

Bouaddi, who’s been dubbed “world-class” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, has registered 1.8 progressive carries and an 84% pass completion rate so far this season.

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Such numbers showcase his incredible ability in possession, with both of the aforementioned stats higher than those produced by Anderson and Wharton in 2025/26.

Ayyoub Bouaddi – stats in Ligue 1 (2025/26)

Statistics (per 90)

Tally

Games played

14

Goals & assists

1

Progressive carries

1.8

Pass accuracy

84%

Tackles won

1.7

% of tackles won

69%

Clearances made

1.2

Take-on success

70%

Aerials won

60%

Stats via FBref

The Frenchman has also completed 70% of the take-ons he’s attempted, subsequently being able to drive the ball into dangerous areas and create carnage in attacking areas.

Without the ball, the teenager has been just as impressive, as seen in his 69% tackle success rate, which once again is higher than those produced by the other targets.

Other numbers, such as 1.2 clearances per 90 and 60% aerials won, further showcase his incredible talents despite his tender age, with the Red Devils potentially getting a bargain.

There’s no doubt the aforementioned duo would be many fans’ first choice to fill the role ahead of January, but a deal for Bouaddi would certainly be the best option. After all, there is a reason he has been described as one of “the best young talents in world football” by the Guardian’s Ed Aarons.

At just 18, he has plenty of time to continue his phenomenal development, not to mention being a cheaper option, which could help the club return to their former glory.

Man Utd could see a £35m bid accepted to sign their own version of Wharton

Manchester United could make a move for a top-level midfielder in the months ahead.

2 ByEthan Lamb