Manchester United have been dealt a transfer setback in their pursuit for Connor Gallagher after his recent statement.
Midfield reinforcements have been on the agenda for Manchester United ever since last summer, with heavy links to the likes of Brighton’s Carlos Baleba and previously Atalanta’s Ederson.
Even throughout this season, with Manuel Ugarte and Kobbie Mainoo seemingly not fancied by Ruben Amorim, links have persisted with a midfielder as Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes play every game.
Elliot Anderson, Baleba, Adam Wharton, and Angelo Stiller have all been repeatedly linked with the club but may be deemed too expensive for a January transfer unless their price drastically drops.
Therefore, other options like Joao Gomes from Wolves and Connor Gallagher from Atletico Madrid have been seen as low-cost options.
Gallagher happy in Madrid
It’s no secret that United have been interested in Gallagher. Even late in the window, the Englishman arose as a potential Baleba alternative for the club searching for a midfielder. However, Atletico were unwilling to part with the player on loan.
The Red Devils are not the only club in for the midfielder, with Spurs also linked with the former Chelsea man for a January transfer.
Despite being frustrated with his lack of game time in the Spanish capital, Gallagher has openly spoken about how happy he is to be at the club.
Speaking to Sky Sport, he said: “I’m happy, but obviously I want to play as much as possible.
“Every footballer would like to be on the pitch for 90 minutes every single game. Obviously, I’m at a world-class club and there are a lot of amazing players.
“The most important thing is how the team plays and the results we get. At the moment, it’s going really well for us.”
“Every footballer would like to be on the pitch for 90 minutes every single game. Obviously, I’m at a world-class club and there are a lot of amazing players.
“The most important thing is how the team plays and the results we get. At the moment, it’s going really well for us.”
Is Gallagher the right profile of a midfielder?
United need midfield bodies no matter what. If United manage to overcome the odds and bring in Gallagher, then he ticks that box of being another option should the need arise to rest either Casemiro or Fernandes.
However, this transfer blow may be a transfer blessing for the club. With Atletico ruling out a loan move for the player, Manchester United would have to pay over the odds for the services of a player who may only be a squad player.
In terms of profile, he may also be different to what Amorim requires. He is a tenacious player with an engine capable of getting up and down the pitch, while also being able to pop up with a goal here and there. All traits that fit what Amorim likes in a midfielder.
It is technically and on the ball where Gallagher may struggle. With links to Joao Gomes, who would be cheaper than Gallagher and offers similar traits while also being defensively solid, he would provide better cover for Casemiro.
As for the money that would be spent on the Englishman, perhaps looking for a midfielder much more comfortable on the ball and able to pass through the lines to connect the midfield and attack would be much more beneficial. Similar to an Angelo Stiller-style player.
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