Man Utd should be looking at these two Crystal Palace Players Ahead of Adam Wharton

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United’s recruitment needs in 2026 point toward very different targets at Selhurst Park.

Manchester United’s interest in Adam Wharton has been widely reported, but he may not be the Crystal Palace player who best fits the club’s 2026 transfer strategy. With Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha thriving under Ruben Amorim, United have seen the value of signing Premier League-proven talent.

Given the number of high-quality options available domestically next summer, United may once again look close to home to reinforce key positions. And while Wharton has been linked in midfield, he isn’t the standout name they should be prioritising.

The two Palace players United should be watching this weekend

Wharton will naturally draw attention when United face Palace at Selhurst Park, but he lacks some of the athletic qualities Amorim is expected to target in his next midfield signing. Instead, the spotlight should be on Daniel Muñoz and Marc Guehi — two players who tick multiple boxes for United’s rebuild.

United have admired Guehi for some time and remain interested heading into 2026, especially if the Palace captain becomes available for a reduced fee or even for free. His leadership, composure and defensive authority would help replace the influence potentially lost with the departures of Casemiro and Harry Maguire. A back three of Guehi, Matthijs de Ligt and Leny Yoro would be among the strongest in the league, with all three skilled in both proactive and reactive defending.

Muñoz, meanwhile, would offer a significant upgrade on the right side. The Colombian has impressed since arriving in 2024 and fits perfectly into a wing-back role, providing attacking output that aligns with Amorim’s tactical demands. While he wouldn’t displace Amad as a starter, he would undeniably raise the level of competition and depth.

United already missed the best Palace signings

As promising as Guehi, Muñoz and even Wharton may be, United have already let the two most gifted Palace players slip through their fingers. Michael Olise moved to Bayern Munich in 2024 and has excelled in Bavaria, while Eberechi Eze joined Arsenal in 2025 and recently scored a hat-trick in the North London Derby.

Both players have flourished after leaving Selhurst Park, a reminder to football director Jason Wilcox that Palace remains a fertile source of elite Premier League talent — despite the long-ago misstep of Wilfried Zaha’s first move to Old Trafford.