Update: Rio Ferdinand urges Man United to beat Liverpool to £100m transfer alongside Matheus Cunha News

The latest Manchester United transfer news as Rio Ferdinand flags up Adam Wharton and Matheus Cunha as two possible signings this summer.

Ex-Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand has called on his old club to beat Liverpool and Real Madrid to the signing of Crystal Palace and England midfielder Adam Wharton.

Wharton, 21, has established himself as one of the most promising prospects in his position following his move to Selhurst Park last year. So much so, he earned a call-up to Gareth Southgate’s England squad for Euro 2024.

Wharton’s progress has been hampered slightly this campaign, though, as he had surgery on a groin injury back in November. He returned to action at the beginning of February, but didn’t start a game until the 4-1 win over Aston Villa at the end of that same month.

A number of top European clubs – including Real Madrid and Liverpool – have recently been linked with Wharton, who is under contract until 2029. It is for that reason rumours indicate Palace have slapped a £100million price-tag on him this summer in attempt to fend off interest.

Ferdinand, who made over 450 appearances for United during his playing days, has now urged his former team to join the race for Wharton this summer, while he even drew comparisons between the young midfielder and one of his famous ex-teammates at Old Trafford.

“I would sign another central midfielder this summer to play alongside Manuel Ugarte,” Ferdinand said on his Rio Ferdinand Presents show. “That player needs to be able to take the ball and transfer it up the pitch.

“You know who I would go for? Adam Wharton.

“I would go get him. The reason I would take him is he can get on the ball and transfer it up the pitch. He’s got a great range of passing. I think he would be a great addition to the United squad – and he reminds me of Michael Carrick a bit.”

Wharton isn’t the only Premier League star Ferdinand wants to see United bring to the club during the upcoming transfer window. Wolves forward Matheus Cunha has made plenty of noise about his desire to move – eventually – and United have been told they need to put themselves at the front of the queue.

“Another one I’d buy is Cunha,” Ferdinand went on. “He’s made it clear he wants to leave, I would buy him if I was Manchester United. Cunha for one of those No. 10 positions would be great, because he’s a really dynamic player.”

Ruben Amorim was appointed as United’s head coach in November last year and, in his first transfer window, he signed Arsenal starlet Ayden Heaven for a nominal fee, as well as Patrick Dorgu from Lecce for £24million. However, this summer is expected to be a significant one for the manager as he looks to make his mark on the squad that he inherited from Erik ten Hag.

Here at The Manchester Evening News, we are dedicated to bringing you the best Manchester United coverage and analysis.

Make sure you don’t miss out on the latest United news by joining our free WhatsApp group. You can get all the breaking news and best analysis sent straight to your phone by clicking here to subscribe.

You can also subscribe to our free newsletter service. Click here to be sent all the day’s biggest stories.

And, finally, if you would rather listen to our expert analysis then make sure to check out our Manchester is Red podcast, featuring The Samuel Luckhurst Show and The Midweek Debate. Our shows are available on all podcast platforms, including Spotify and Apple Podcasts, and you can also watch along on YouTube.