Manchester United have been looking to sign a new central midfielder in recent months, with manager Ruben Amorim hoping to add further reinforcements to the center of his squad.
The 40-year-old has made such a position a priority in the next window as he looks to strengthen his position in the Premier League before the end of the season.
Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes have been a largely reliable partnership in recent months, but given the Brazilian is now 33 years old, there is no doubt that a long-term solution is needed.
Koby Mainu is undoubtedly the supporters’ first choice to fill the void, but it looks like the youngster could be nearing the exit door.
As a result, a number of options have appeared on their radar in recent weeks, with the hierarchy clearly making moves ahead of a window opening in the coming weeks.
United will be looking for a new central midfielder in January
Adam Wharton’s name has been on the topic for many United fans in recent weeks, with rumors swirling about a potential move for the English player.
It was reported earlier this week that the Red Devils were preparing an £87m bid for the Crystal Palace star, a deal that would represent a huge investment from INEOS.
However, the Eagles are believed to be very reluctant to release their star player, which could make it somewhat difficult to complete a deal this winter.
As a result, other options are being considered, with rumors of signing Atletico Madrid star Conor Gallagher resurfacing.
Journalist Ben Jacobs said this week that Amorim’s side could be tempted to reconsider a move for the 25-year-old, who only joined La Liga last summer.
He also said that while those in the ranks could be tempted by the possibility of a loan move, it was unclear whether manager Diego Simeone’s side would allow him to leave temporarily.
Why United’s latest target could be their next mount
Back in the summer of 2023, United secured the signing of midfielder Mason Mount from Chelsea for £60 million, a deal that caused a huge stir at the time.
Such figures were considered too high for the English player, but that belief was reinforced after his first two years at Old Trafford were marred by injuries.
He only made 47 appearances in his first two seasons in Manchester, but in the 2025/26 season she seems to have forgotten his woes and the 26-year-old player is now in the shape of his life.
Amorim has been by his side in recent months and Mount has returned the favor, as evidenced by his three league goals this season (two of which have come in the last three games).
He is currently a key member of the United squad and could play a big role when the likes of Brian Mbeumo and Amad Diallo take part in AFCON in the coming weeks.
However, signing Gallagher could lead to a deal similar to Mount’s, with the Atletico star also moving into the professional ranks following his Chelsea career.
Similar to the midfielder’s signing a few years ago, many supporters have expressed their displeasure at signing the La Liga star, but it could be a smart addition.
His performances in the ongoing campaign are testament to his talent, many of which significantly enhance the options currently at the Old Trafford manager’s disposal.
Dubbed a “monster” by one analyst, Gallagher makes 2.5 tackles won and 1.6 interceptions per 90, showing the commanding ball-winning presence that Amorim so desperately needs.
Conor Gallagher – La Liga statistics (2025/26) | |
|---|---|
Statistics (every 90) | tally |
games played | 16 |
goals and assists | 1 |
Pass accuracy | 88% |
shot taken | 1.4 |
progressive carry | 2.7 |
progressive path | 3.9 |
The tackle I made | 2.5 |
Number of intercepts | 1.6 |
Carry into the opposition box | 0.9 |
Statistics by FBref | |
He also completed 0.9 carries into the opposition box as part of his 2.7 progressive carries per 90 games, highlighting his ability with the ball when winning the ball back for his team.
Gallagher, who earns £150,000-a-week, has completed 88% of his attempted passes to date, with 3.9 of those 90 going into the final third, further reaffirming his incredible ball-playing talent.
While it may be difficult for the Red Devils to make a deal like this during this period, it is great business and could take the team to the next level.
If he can achieve the heights that Mount achieved, it would be a great deal and could finally end the division’s battle for a new No. 8 in 2026.
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