Manchester United are interested in Conor Gallagher but Tottenham Hotspur could play spoilsport
Manchester United are focusing heavily on strengthening the midfield this summer. Casemiro now brings experience, but lacks pace and the ability to withstand sustained physical pressure. Statistics show that his top speed last season was just 30.5 km/h, which is below many defensive midfielders in the Premier League.
Manuel Ugarte, on the other hand, has shown consistency when he finds opportunities, but being too cautious can hinder offensive transitions. That’s why Ruben Amorim is now looking for a player who can carry the ball with speed, protect the backline and also give freedom to creative players like Bruno Fernandes. That’s why Amorim and the club management have considered this position a top priority.
Conor Gallagher in focus
According to a report by CaughtOffside, Atletico Madrid midfielder Conor Gallagher is now on the market and is being asked for £45m. Not just Manchester United, Tottenham, Newcastle and Crystal Palace are also interested. Gallagher moved to Atletico from Chelsea last year but now the possibility of a return to England has increased. Tottenham are said to be the frontrunners at the moment and are preparing to make a bid of £35-40m, although this is slightly less than Atletico’s asking price.
Manchester United are interested in Conor Gallagher but Tottenham Hotspur could play spoilsport.
Atletico Madrid midfielder Conor Gallagher is understood to be available and attracting interest from the likes of Manchester United ahead of tomorrow’s transfer deadline.
United had shown interest in Adam Wharton after missing out on Carlos Baleba, but according to the report from CaughtOffside the club are keeping an eye on Gallagher’s situation. Spurs currently have the lure of the Champions League, while Newcastle are also strong contenders in the race.
Crystal Palace also hope to bring him back. In such a situation, United’s problem is that they will have to convince the player without European football. Still, the weight of Old Trafford could be a big factor. Meanwhile, there have been reports that United are looking at Morten Hjulmand as a potential replacement for Kobbie Mainoo, while Amorim has made it clear that Mainoo will have to work hard for his place. All this shows that United are trying to completely reshape the midfield.
How well does Gallagher fit United?
Now the question is whether the 25-year-old can prove to be the right player in this role. “Perfect” may be a big word, but his energy, ability to run relentlessly and pressing game matches Amorim’s style. Amorim often plays in a 3-4-2-1 or 3-4-3 system, where the balance of the two central midfielders is important.
Gallagher can provide speed and strength in the middle of the field by joining Ugarte or Mainoo in this role. He is not just good at keeping the ball but also has the ability to accelerate the attack by getting forward, an element that is lacking in United’s current squad.
A price tag of £45m doesn’t seem outlandish either. The Englishman, 25, with experience in the Premier League and now LaLiga, is at a stage in his career where he can make an immediate impact. He was bought by Atletico for around £34m, and it’s only natural that his price tag will rise slightly. A big-player sale that has already been made with Garnacho would make bringing Gallagher a possibility.
While Tottenham’s Champions League presence gives them an edge, United have the club’s historic reputation and Amorim’s new project. That would be too attractive for a player like Gallagher to ignore. In our opinion, United need a midfielder like him immediately.
Casemiro is on the wane, Ugarte needs to mature further, and Mainoo needs to prove his worth. Gallagher could fill that void and give the team the energy in the middle of the pitch that has been missing. If United really want to make Amorim’s system a success, signing Gallagher could be the most important move of this window or at least in January.