Manchester United are reportedly considering a loan swoop for Conor Gallagher in January, potentially paving the way for Kobbie Mainoo to exit Old Trafford after falling out of favour. Ruben Amorim had his sights set on bolstering his midfield during the summer, leading to their interest in Brighton’s Carlos Baleba.
However, after splashing out over £200million on revamping their attack for the 2025-26 season, United refrained from adding to their midfield before the transfer window closed. It has since come to light that United did make an approach to Atletico Madrid regarding a loan deal for the England international, but the Spanish heavyweights were only interested in a permanent deal, resulting in the ex-Chelsea player remaining in La Liga.
Now, according to the Daily Mail, United will revisit this in 2026.
They plan to propose an initial loan offer once more, but this time with the intention of a £45m permanent move in the summer. Gallagher is believed to be content at Atletico, but he also desires regular playtime with a World Cup spot in his sights.
Gallagher has only started four matches across all competitions this season and United might be able to provide him with the opportunity for regular football, given the uncertainty surrounding their current midfield situation, which has seen Mainoo sidelined.
A successful swoop for the former Chelsea midfielder would probably see Mainoo slip even further down the hierarchy. The youngster was praised when he emerged through the academy under Erik ten Hag, but his standing has diminished since Amorim took charge.
United prevented Mainoo from departing on loan during the closing days of the summer transfer window.
Mainoo has not featured from the start in a Premier League fixture this campaign, whilst Manuel Ugarte, who previously worked with Amorim at Sporting Lisbon, has also been overlooked. Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes have formed the club’s central midfield partnership, despite genuine questions surrounding both players.
Former United midfielder Scott McTominay, now a star at Napoli, has reportedly pleaded with his current club to strike a transfer agreement for Mainoo.
Amorim has been forthright about his desire to witness improvement from the United academy product, who barely 12 months ago was featuring in the Euro 2024 final.
He stated previously: “I didn’t have a conversation with him before the window closed because I didn’t want Kobbie Mainoo thinking that I was having a conversation with him just to hold on to him. I did it this week.I believe in him a lot. He is a top player. But some of you think that Kobbie Mainoo is already done [a complete player]. I think he can do so much better. For some guys [talent] is enough, but for him it is not. Maybe it’s not fair, but I think I’m helping Kobbie and that’s it.”