Bruno Fernandes delivered a timely reminder of his enduring class as Manchester United staged a dramatic second-half comeback against Crystal Palace, simultaneously enhancing the club's prospects of signing prime midfield target Adam Wharton next summer.
Fernandes Inspires Vital United Turnaround
The Manchester United captain was instrumental in his team's 2-1 victory at Selhurst Park, providing two crucial assists that lifted the Old Trafford club to sixth place in the Premier League table. Fernandes first created the penalty opportunity when his exquisite first-half pass found Jean-Philippe Mateta, who was fouled by Leny Yoro.
After Mateta converted the retaken spot-kick following a VAR intervention for an accidental double touch, Fernandes took control after the break. The Portuguese playmaker first set up Joshua Zirkzee for a spectacular equaliser before providing the clever short free-kick that Mason Mount fired through the Palace wall for the winner.
European Qualification Crucial for Wharton Deal
The victory carries significant implications for United's transfer strategy under manager Ruben Amorim, who faces pressure to secure European football in his second season at Old Trafford. Adam Wharton, the highly-rated Crystal Palace and England midfielder, has been identified as a primary transfer target with a potential price tag of £70 million.
However, sources indicate the 20-year-old would only consider moving to Manchester United if they can offer European competition next season. Fernandes's match-winning performance has therefore directly increased the likelihood of securing Wharton's signature by keeping United's European ambitions alive.
Midfield Rebuild Gathers Pace
The potential acquisition forms part of Amorim's broader midfield reconstruction, with Fernandes now 31 and Casemiro 34 despite both completing the full 90 minutes against Palace. Wharton, who was substituted after 78 minutes following his midweek European appearance for Palace, would bring youthful energy and progressive passing to United's engine room.
Financing for the move could be facilitated by Fernandes's potential departure, with the club captain having turned down Saudi Pro League interest last summer but retaining an agreement that allows him to leave for £57 million to foreign clubs next year.
United are also monitoring other midfield options including Newcastle's Elliot Anderson and Brighton's Carlos Baleba, but Wharton remains the priority target. The former Blackburn Rovers prospect has impressed with his busy style and forward-thinking distribution, though he is yet to score for Palace and missed chances in both the Strasbourg match and against United.
The development path of Arsenal's Declan Rice, who has added goals to his game since moving from West Ham, provides a template for Wharton's continued improvement to establish himself as an England regular and Premier League star.
