Paul Scholes tells Man United who to sign between Wharton, Baleba and Anderson | OneFootball

Manchester United legend Paul Scholes has given his crystal-clear advice regarding which midfielder the club should pursue out of the three main options on the table – Adam Wharton, Carlos Baleba and Elliot Anderson.

United eyeing midfield reinforcements

During the summer transfer window, United prioritised bolstering the attacking department after a goal-shy 2024/25 campaign in which they finished 15th and lost the Europa League final to Tottenham Hotspur.

United spent north of £200m on the acquisitions of Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko from Wolverhampton Wanderers, Brentford and RB Leipzig respectively. The club also brought in Senne Lammens from Royal Antwerp on deadline day.

The Red Devils explored a midfield signing, having identified Baleba as their top target. However, United pulled out of a deal after learning of Brighton’s prohibitive asking price.

It’s believed that plans are underway to strengthen the middle of the park, with Baleba still on the list.

But the Cameroonian is not the only player on United’s radar. Anderson and Wharton are also of interest to the club as they continue to impress in the Premier League.

United may have to make a decision between the three players and Scholes knows exactly who they should go for.

Scholes makes his choice

Scholes told Sky Sports, “I think all three of them are really good players. Baleba is very young, but they’re all quite young, aren’t they? But Baleba is very young. Quality-wise, is he quite there? I think he’s almost in a Caicedo type of way. He’s done really well at Chelsea, don’t get me wrong, but is that the type of player Manchester United need? I’m not sure.”

“Adam Wharton is, again, a really good player. Can he get around the pitch? Old Trafford’s a big pitch. It’s a really big pitch to get around, and you need to have some physicality. You need to have legs in that position.”

“I’d say, going off the England form, this has surprised me more than anything is Elliot Anderson. I really liked him when he was at Newcastle, but I thought he was more of an attacking player, maybe play the 8 or 10. I don’t like saying numbers, but he looks more of an 8 or 10.”

Scholes continued, “He’s come into that role for England and looks very accomplished, very stylish. Keeps the ball really well, will pass it forward as well. I’d like to see all three of them.”

“I’d probably say I’d go Wharton. I still don’t think they’re any of the Manchester United style midfield players, they’re more the style of football these days. I just think Wharton’s got a little bit more quality. That’s tough saying that. I think he’s got more quality than Baleba.”

“Baleba’s got more legs, so that evens itself out a little bit. It’s close between Elliot Anderson and Wharton. I’d just pick Wharton.”

Scholes stressed that a United midfielder should be able to do everything.

He explained, “You can attack, you can defend, you can be part of everything. That’s your job as a midfield player for Manchester United.”

United are next in action on Sunday when they face Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park.

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