“Adam Wharton would be a good addition”, says Man United legend

Manchester United are heading into a crucial summer as the Red Devils are looking to improve from last season´s disappointing performances and results.

Rúben Amorim´s squad finished 15th in the league and lost the Europa League final against Spurs.

Transfers both in and out of the club are expected, so we caught up with Man United legend Lee Sharpe, who shared his thoughts on the transfer window, just as he also talks about the expectations for the club next season.

It would be a shame to lose Rashford

Marcus Rashford’s future is one of the biggest talking points around Old Trafford, and Sharpe is clear in his belief that the 26-year-old remains a top-level player, despite having not been able to show it for a while at Man United.

“Marcus Rashford on his day is unplayable. He’s got unbelievable feet and unbelievable pace. He can finish too, but we’ve not seen that version of Marcus Rashford for the last few seasons. Only he’ll be able to tell you why.”

Sharpe highlighted Rashford’s past highs both for club and country, but admitted the current situation is hard to read from the outside.

“His performances for England and United have been world-beating. He’s got pace, balance and power. His footwork too. He’s an incredible player. I don’t know whether he’s got things going on in his head or if it’s a confidence issue? Issues with the club or a particular manager?”

With speculation swirling over a possible move abroad, including links to Barcelona, Sharpe remained cautious, questioning whether Rashford would be a natural fit for Amorim’s tactical approach.

“It would be a shame if the club lost him, but also I’m not sure if he fits into Amorim’s system. He’s not a number nine and I don’t know if he’s a number ten either. The relationship with Amorim might be too far gone now.”

Mainoo has a huge potential but needs to stay fit

One young player who continues to excite is Kobbie Mainoo, and Sharpe is among those who believe he could play a huge role under Amorim next season if he stays fit.

“I’m always an optimist when it comes to United. I’m hopeful that there are some good young lads coming through. You have Chido Obi up front, Heaven and Yoro in defence who are young and have potential. It’s good to see the young lads coming through.”

“Kobbie Mainoo struggled with fitness after a few injuries and I believe they’re working on making him more athletic. At times he seems to struggle getting up and down the pitch but as a number ten I think he’s an ideal fit.”

Sharpe praised Mainoo’s ability in tight areas and sees him as someone who could thrive with the right support.

“In tight areas I think he’s phenomenal. Him and Cunha in the ten roles would be great. He’s unbelievable on the ball and looks after it so well. He’s a player I want to see stay and get used to more often.”

Wharton would be a good addition to the squad

In midfield, Sharpe pointed to Adam Wharton as a potential signing who could bring a new dimension to United’s play.

“I’ve been impressed with him to be fair. He’s always looked very comfortable whatever game he’s involved in. He’s always taking things in his stride.”

“He protects the ball really well and takes it off the back four and then turns forward to try and be positive. United have lacked that.”

The Englishman makes it clear that Wharton could be a good addition, as he brings something different to Uruguayan midfielder Manuel Ugarte, who sometimes struggles in the possession game.

“Ugarte was maybe brought in for that but I think he struggles in possession at times. He rats around and defends well, but maybe as an option on the ball United need to improve in that area.”

“Wharton is a great forward passer and his creative side is great. He sees a long pass as well as a cute short pass. He’d be a really good addition.”

On his day, Luke Shaw is one of the best in the world

One of the biggest question marks in the squad is Luke Shaw, who endured another injury-hit season. Sharpe believes the England international still has the quality necessary to compete at the elite level, but time may be running out for the experienced left back.

“I think it’s a shame what has happened to Shaw. I think on his day, he is probably one of the world's best left-backs. He is really good on the ball, has a good eye for the pass, likes to get forward and he reads the game very well.”

“His injuries the last season have scuppered his career, and now it just depends on him, the manager and the physios and what he has left in his body. It is a very difficult situation for him and the club.”

Still, if Shaw can stay fit, Sharpe believes there’s a clear role for him under Amorim.

“If he can stay fit, no one in the club is a better left centre-back than him. The manager needs someone who can play with the ball and he fits very well. I also think he is an ideal fit for the wing-back role, but I don’t know if his body can handle it.”

Faith in Amorim – but improvement must come

Despite the many question marks, Sharpe maintains a belief that Rúben Amorim can bring success back to Old Trafford if he’s given time and support.

“I have to be confident in terms of Amorim. You’ve got to give him the transfer window, the pre-season and a few months. He will have until Christmas, but we have to see an improvement, especially in terms of chances created.”

While some fans may be preparing for another transition year, Sharpe insists the goal must remain to return to the top.

“As a Man United player, you always turn up and try to win the league. If you can’t win the league, the next best thing is to get the Champions League.”

“But I still think they will get more signings and have a fit squad, wanting to make a statement and win the first four or five games to get into the rhythm.”

“In-house, I still think they want to finish in the top four next season.”

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