Manchester United are aiming to secure the signing of Conor Gallagher from Atletico Madrid
Manchester United have not had an easy week. The result against Grimsby Town in the Carabao Cup has only deepened the club’s troubles. Grimsby grabbed the headlines at Blundell Park rather than the Red Devils. This League Two team took the lead in the first half with goals from Charles Vernam and Tyrell Warren.
Bryan Mbeumo and Harry Maguire made a comeback in the second half, but victory slipped away. In the penalty shootout, Grimsby goalkeeper Christy Pym, who is himself a United supporter, made a decisive save to give his team a historic 12-11 win. This defeat has put more pressure on Ruben Amorim’s chair, as United have also started the Premier League without a win.
United eye Conor Gallagher
Amid this disappointing atmosphere, the transfer market has become more active. According to reports from TBR Football, as relayed by Give Me Sport, United are trying to sign Atletico Madrid’s Conor Gallagher. Gallagher has made a good impact in La Liga since moving from Chelsea and has proven himself in midfield there. He also has Premier League experience, having played on loan at clubs such as Charlton Athletic, Swansea City, West Brom and Crystal Palace. The question is what Gallagher can and cannot offer to the team if United bring him in.
Manchester United are aiming to secure the signing of Conor Gallagher from Atletico Madrid.
Manchester United’s pursuit of Atletico Madrid’s Conor Gallagher heats up
Gallagher’s greatest asset is his energy and constant movement on the pitch. He can play as a box-to-box midfielder and help link the team from defence to attack. The 25-year-old has a good passing range, and his job is to maintain the tempo in the midfield. However, the problem with the Englishman is that he will not bring any new creative aspect to United.
His style is more hard-working, but he will not be able to bring creativity or special playmaking. United already have Mainoo, who could develop into such a role if given time, but he has been linked with a move away from United, and hence these rumours regarding Gallagher have emerged. The Atletico Madrid midfielder also has a hefty salary and is already an established player at the LaLiga club, so it will not be an easy deal.
Now the real debate is whether United should bet on Gallagher or give Kobbie Mainoo a chance. Mainoo is not being trusted by Amorim; he played very little in pre-season and has not played a single minute in the league so far. In such a situation, bringing Gallagher seems to be an easy way out, but this could lock the future of the academy player.
Given the defeat to Grimsby and the increasing pressure on Amorim, the club may take short-term decisions. Gallagher can bring immediate stability, and he is entering the prime years of his career. After all, the club are hungry for results, and Amorim has to show something big.
On the other hand, Gallagher’s huge salary and his difficulty in getting him out of Atletico Madrid make this transfer risky. If the deal is not done in time, United will have to rely on existing options without a new midfielder. In our opinion, the club should think in balance. It may be too early to replace Mainoo with Gallagher, but Amorim is in a position where he would want an immediate impact. United’s future depend on this balance. Meanwhile, Newcastle make contact with Manchester United to ask about the midfield star.