Manchester United will be pleased with their summer transfer business but many fans will argue Ineos were one midfielder shy from a perfect window.
It is not only fans that feel that way either, as Ruben Amorim wanted an “athletic” midfielder signed this summer.
Manchester United did enquire for Carlos Baleba, but Brighton wanted a £115 million fee and made it clear they don’t plan on selling until 2026.
During pre-season, Amorim spotted a ‘lack of pace’ in midfield, and that is a weakness that has not been addressed over the summer.
However, it was not for a lack of trying. It seems United did make a move for a midfielder on deadline day.
Conor Gallagher tries to keep the ball in play for Atletico Madrid
Photo by Maria Gracia Jimenez/Soccrates/Getty Images
Man United’s loan proposal to Conor Gallagher was rejected
United in Focus spoke exclusively to transfer expert Graeme Bailey on deadline day, and he revealed that United enquired about Conor Gallagher during the final days of the transfer window.
The Red Devils ended up wrapping up their summer by completing an £18 million deal for Senne Lammens, and no midfielder ended up arriving.
Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that United made a loan proposal to Gallagher and explained that Atletico Madrid made it clear they have no plans to let the English midfielder leave.
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🚨 Manchester United have had a loan proposal rejected by Atlético Madrid for Conor Gallagher.
United asked for Gallagher but no plans for Atléti to let him leave on loan.
Same answer was received by Crystal Palace one week ago.
🎥 https://t.co/BpUj1dfBMD pic.twitter.com/Bp6KcU9bCL
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) September 4, 2025
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Romano explained that Premier League side Crystal Palace also made an enquiry and received the same answer, so United were left empty-handed in their midfield search.
Ruben Amorim will have to cope with midfield until 2026
So far this season, Amorim has preferred a midfield combination of Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro – hardly a duo that will calm his concerns over a lack of pace.
Kobbie Mainoo’s request to leave was rejected, with Amorim telling the 20-year-old Carrington graduate that he must fight for his spot. The Portuguese head coach must find a way to give him more minutes this season.
The only other natural midfield option available to Amorim is Manuel Ugarte, but he has suffered a slow start to the season.
READ MORE: Every incoming and outgoing deal Manchester United agreed on transfer deadline day
Amorim has suggested that Mount can play in central midfield, but it already feels inevitable that a new midfielder will be a top priority in 2026.
United are willing to wait until 2026 for Baleba, and a long-term replacement for Casemiro will be needed given his contract is due to expire next summer.