MyBettingSites had the pleasure of sitting down with former Manchester United defender Paul Parker to discuss the future of Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton who has been linked with a potential move to Manchester United. The England international has caught the eye of many including former England manager Gareth Southgate which has led to his stock continuing to rise. Parker also spoke on Manchester United’s new striker Joshua Zirkzee who joined from Bologna signing a five-year deal.
In this article:
- Wharton is a better passer than Fernandes
- Wharton could cost United up to £50m
- Parker confused by Holland’s decision to play Depay ahead of Zirkzee
- Zirkzee will provide Hojlund with somebody to compete against
Wharton is a better passer than Fernandes
2024 has been quite the year for Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton. Wharton’s early career at Blackburn saw him quickly make an impact, culminating in his transfer to Crystal Palace in January 2024 for £18 million. Wharton quickly made his mark at the heart of the Palace midfield under the guidance of Oliver Glasner. He has made a name for himself through his incisive forward passing, his ability to control the game from deep positions, and his composure under pressure. Parker claims that Wharton’s passing is better than that of United midfielder and captain Bruno Fernandes and alludes to the idea that he would like to see the midfielder at Old Trafford.
“Well, his range of passing is fantastic. He very rarely gives it away. He’s always positive with his passing as well. Very, very positive. I think he’s got a long range. His longer range of passing is good. Like, Bruno’s is good, but I think he’s better.. He doesn’t give the ball away as cheaply as Bruno.
“If you’re Crystal Palace unless someone comes in with a really, really stupid offer you’re not going to let him go. Especially the way they finish the season. The manager is going to want to try and keep that going because the way they finished the season was incredible. The football they were playing had gone to another level, so he’s going to want to keep that level going.”
Wharton could cost United up to £50m
Wharton’s season was so impressive he was called up to Gareth Southgate’s Euro 2024 squad. His rapid rise has also drawn interest from major clubs such as Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, and Manchester City and United, although it is said that he remains committed to Crystal Palace for the time being. Parker warns United they could be forced to pay Palace up to £50m for the rising star.
“But you have to say if someone does come in, I see them selling for 40 or 50 and after one season. I think every Crystal Palace fan will have to say that’s great business. I think they bought him for 20 something million? How much of that can go back into building a team? You’re not going to go and get another one like him, but you could go out and get someone different who has the same impact. And that’s. And that’s the way a team like Crystal Palace will look at it.
“That’s the way I think they should look at it. Never. You’re never going to replace him like that because it’s amazing how he stayed in the Championship for so long. And I’ve seen him play quite a few times. He’s made the forward step in Crystal Palace. Easily made the next step to be perfect. If he had gone to, say Man City or if he had gone maybe to Liverpool or anything like that he wouldn’t have. He wouldn’t have started as much because they wouldn’t play him.”
Parker confused by Holland’s decision to play Depay ahead of Zirkzee
Whilst United are said to be on the hunt to reinforce their defence and midfield, they’ve added to their forward line ranks through Holland forward Joshua Zirkzee. The forward signed forUnited for a fee of €42.5 million after scoring 11 goals and providing five assists, helping Bologna secure a spot in the Champions League. His form saw him called up to the Holland squad where he was mostly a backup for Memphis Depay and Wout Whehgorst which has left Parker somewhat confused.
“If he wants to play up front surely he can’t be as bad as Depay? That’s the problem. I’m watching Holland play. I’m seeing Depay up front, they take Depay off and then Koeman brings on Weghorst and I’m kind of thinking Zirkzee is linked with United but can’t even get on the pitch? Or he just got on the pitch for a few minutes to play.
“Depay must have decided to wear that headband because Wimbledon was coming up. I don’t know, but why was he wearing it? Why was he allowed to wear it in that colour? What does he do? I don’t think a Premier League club would have him as a centre forward. I don’t think they would. So how can Holland, one of the great nations of football, have him up front? I don’t understand it.”
Zirkzee will provide Hojlund with somebody to compete against
Zirkzee will be up against current United striker Rasmus Hojlund for the number nine role although through his skillset will be able to fulfil quite a few roles in Erik ten Hag’s side. Parker only sees it as a positive that Hojlund will now have competition this season after being heavily relied upon last season.
“I think it’s going to be a learning process for Zirkzee. And what Hojlund needs is proper competition. In that sense, Hojlund needs proper competition with somebody who actually may want to play centre forward rather than people just doing a job. I mean, you look at it and you see that Hojlund is a centre forward and so is Zirkzee. He needs someone to compete against him. You need someone to just push you on to try and improve your game at bits where you’re maybe not focused enough on it because you’re comfortable. So I’m looking forward to seeing him.”
