Manchester United’s January recruitment search sees the club considering a move for a former Chelsea star who may be looking for an exit
Manchester United are heading into the January transfer window on a current run of just one defeat in their last ten outings in the Premier League, most recently coming away with a point in an exhilarating 4-4 draw with Bournemouth at Old Trafford.
A half time 2-1 lead thanks to headed goals from Amad and Casemiro were quickly over-ran by the Cherries at the start of the second half as Bournemouth claimed a 3-2 lead out of nowhere.
But a superb free kick goal from captain fantastic, Bruno Fernandes and an immediate follow up goal from Matheus Cunha re-claimed the lead for United.
That was until 19-year-old Eli Junior Kroupi scored the final goal of the evening in the 84th minute, beating Senne Lammens, who found himself in action again producing two crucial saves before the full time whistle eventually sounded.
Ruben Amorim looked towards his bench throughout the game, bringing on Kobbie Mainoo at the 60 minute mark in replacement of Casemiro. Despite Mainoo shining when he was on the pitch, United’s search for a more suited profile to Amorim’s system has landed on a new profile who could be the answer in January.
Manchester United consider a move for Gallagher
The red side of Manchester has been linked with a range of names to be the long-term answer to Amorim’s system with names such as Carlos Baleba, Adam Wharton and Elliot Anderson sparking lots of conversation among the fanbase.
But it is former Chelsea star, Conor Gallagher who has renewed interest from United for a potential move in January.
As Eplindex reports, United explored the possibility of a deal for the Atlético Madrid player in the latter stages of the summer transfer window, but the player’s situation has taken a turn since then as he is struggling to secure a consistent place in Diego Simeone’s starting lineup.
United view Gallagher as a Premier League-proven midfielder who would take little time to integrate into the squad’s playing style.
With the 2026 World Cup fast approaching, Gallagher wants to prioritise reuniting with his former manager, Thomas Tuchel in the England squad in a competitive midfield battle.
Gallagher could solve Amorim’s midfield problems
Amorim has relied heavily on the starting partnership of Fernandes and Casemiro at the core of his 3-4-2-1 formation this season, often resorting to both Manuel Ugarte and Mainoo on United’s bench.
Casemiro is coming towards the end of his current contract at United, and Ugarte has not hit the highs expected since his £42 million move from Paris Saint Germain.
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Meanwhile, Mainoo has struggled to secure minutes under Amorim, with doubts remaining over how well-suited he is to the system. Being such a contrast to Casemiro in terms of strengths, this could see the young Englishman departing from Old Trafford in January as well.
With Gallagher potentially looking to leave Madrid and presumably available to alternative clubs at a much lower price, the 25-year-old could be expected to return to England’s top flight.
Recently, Amorim deployed a more structured midfield system that asked for a lot of duels to be won in the middle of the park, and the Englishman’s skill set could be perfectly suited to the new style if the United boss sticks with it.
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