Manchester United were linked with a move for Conor Gallagher before he ended up completing a move to Tottenham.
When Manchester United were shopping for a new midfielder in the summer transfer window, Conor Gallagher’s name emerged as an option in the final few days.
United were showing interest in Gallagher but ultimately decided to walk away from any potential deal.
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Gallagher was open to joining United, but the Red Devils have now missed out. Aston Villa were leading the race for the 25-year-old’s signature before Tottenham hijacked their deal.
It was confirmed on Wednesday that Gallagher has signed for Tottenham in a £34 million deal.
Conor Gallagher looks on during the La Liga football match played between Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano stadium in 2025, in Madrid, Spain.
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Conor Gallagher is exactly what Man United needed
United are still desperate to strengthen their midfield department in 2026 having failed to do so last summer, but it seems like Ineos are happy to continue with the current squad over January.
It means that United have well and truly missed out on a potential deal for Gallagher, and his first words at Tottenham will only add to United’s regret.
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In a quickfire Tottenham interview, Gallagher said his best attribute is his “work rate”, and manager Thomas Frank is in full agreement.
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Frank said: “Conor has captained teams so will bring leadership, maturity, character and personality to our dressing room, while his running power, pressing ability and eye for goal will strengthen us in a key area of the pitch.”
United are in desperate need of running power in midfield. Ruben Amorim was crying out for an “athletic” midfielder, and his wish was never granted by Ineos.
With Casemiro’s contract expiring this summer and Manuel Ugarte linked with an exit, United need fresh legs and energy in midfield.
Conor Gallagher would have complemented Kobbie Mainoo
Amorim criticised Mainoo’s fitness levels, and constantly urged the Carrington graduate to show more energy and tempo in his performances.
There is no denying Mainoo’s incredible technical ability in midfield, but Amorim was clearly concerned about his defensive work rate.
READ MORE:Conor Gallagher’s move to Spurs shows Man Utd’s £40m decision last summer to back Amorim was a huge error
Ideally, Mainoo needs a midfield partner who is willing to cover extra distance and relentlessly chase back. That is one of Gallagher’s main strengths, and it would have made them a formidable duo at United.
While Gallagher often played as an attacking midfielder at Chelsea and Crystal Palace, he dropped deeper at Atletico Madrid under Diego Simeone and polished some of his defensive work.
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