Man United considering move to sign former Chelsea midfielder – Report

Manchester United are assessing a potential January approach for midfielder Conor Gallagher after receiving encouragement from manager Ruben Amorim, according to Football Insider. The 25-year-old joined Atletico Madrid in the summer of 2024 following his departure from Chelsea , but questions remain over his long-term future in Spain.

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United were offered the opportunity to sign Gallagher on deadline day of the last transfer window, but discussions failed to produce an agreement. Reports suggest the club remain interested, viewing the England international as an ideal addition to Amorim’s midfield options.

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Sources close to Football Insider have indicated that United see Gallagher as a potential replacement for Kobbie Mainoo , who has struggled for regular minutes this season. “Man United see Conor Gallagher as Kobbie Mainoo replacement,” one source confirmed. Club figures reportedly believe the former Chelsea midfielder is a better fit for Amorim’s system, particularly in his high-energy pressing game and transitional play.

While Mainoo remains a valued prospect, he has slipped down the pecking order since Amorim’s arrival. The 20-year-old has mainly featured from the bench and is yet to establish a consistent run in the starting eleven. Despite this, United are unlikely to sanction a January exit, as they did during the summer when they blocked loan offers.

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Should United push forward with a formal move, they will face competition from Tottenham and Crystal Palace, both of whom retain interest in Gallagher. The midfielder’s successful loan spell at Selhurst Park during the 2021-22 season left a lasting impression, while Spurs are believed to be long-term admirers.

Convincing Gallagher to leave Atletico Madrid may prove difficult, however. Reports suggest Diego Simeone still views him as part of his plans for the campaign. United, therefore, must weigh the timing and feasibility of any January bid carefully as they look to strengthen Amorim’s midfield options.

This potential pursuit of Gallagher will divide opinion. On one hand, his energy, consistency and work ethic would bring reliability to a midfield that has lacked balance at times. He embodies the pressing and intensity Amorim demands, and his experience in the Premier League would allow for a seamless adaptation.

However, fans may question whether this move represents genuine long-term progression or another short-term fix. Gallagher, while industrious, does not possess the creative spark many feel United still lack in midfield. If the plan is to phase out Mainoo, there is a risk of stunting the development of one of the academy’s brightest prospects.

Many supporters admire Mainoo’s composure and technical quality and would prefer to see him nurtured rather than replaced. The suggestion that United view Gallagher as a superior fit could cause unease, particularly among those who value the club’s tradition of developing young talent.

Ultimately, Gallagher would bring much-needed stability and intensity, but United must ensure this aligns with a coherent vision under Amorim. The January window will test whether the club are building for the future or patching short-term gaps once again.