Wharton eyes double celebration after Palace's Conference League win amid United interest

Adam Wharton was named UEFA Player of the Match as Crystal Palace beat Rayo Vallecano in the UEFA Conference League final on Wednesday, securing Europe’s third-tier trophy and Europa League qualification for next season — all while his future remains the subject of significant transfer speculation.

Manchester United have placed the 22-year-old Crystal Palace midfielder on their wishlist this summer, but the club reportedly view him as too similar in profile to Kobbie Mainoo. According to The Telegraph, Wharton is not considered a natural partner for Mainoo in Michael Carrick’s preferred 4-2-3-1 system, with his progressive passing style seen as overlapping rather than complementing the England international. United could still move for Wharton, but only if they decide to sign three midfielders rather than two.

United are already close to completing a £38 million deal for Atalanta’s Ederson, with the 26-year-old Brazilian expected to be the first signing of the Carrick era. Casemiro’s departure at the end of his contract in June, combined with the demands of Champions League football next season, means further midfield reinforcements are required. Elliot Anderson of Nottingham Forest and Brighton’s Carlos Baleba are also among the club’s targets. Liverpool and Chelsea are additionally credited with interest in Wharton.

For now, Wharton’s attention is firmly on celebrating Palace’s European triumph. Speaking after the final, the midfielder revealed he has unfinished business in the party department, having missed the celebrations following Palace’s FA Cup final win against Manchester City twelve months ago. “It’s going to be big,” he said. “I missed the FA Cup last year so I’ve got two celebrations to catch up on.”

Wharton also paid tribute to manager Oliver Glasner, who has overseen a remarkable transformation at Selhurst Park since joining in February 2024. Under the Austrian, Palace have now won three trophies. “The difference he’s made in two-and-a-half years is incredible,” Wharton said. “He’s got to be one of the best managers” — a sentiment that will do little to dampen the interest from clubs monitoring both player and coach ahead of the summer window.