Manchester United’s quest to sign a new midfielder this summer did not work out in the end.
Given Casemiro’s ageing legs, Manuel Ugarte’s struggles since he joined, and Kobbie Mainoo’s unsuitability as a defensive midfielder, Ruben Amorim decided pretty early on that he needed reinforcements in the middle of the park.
Carlos Baleba of Brighton and Hove Albion was identified as the perfect recruit, but the Seagulls’ valuation meant a move never got off the ground.
Morten Hjulmand was another name on the club’s radar, but doubts over his physicality meant United never approached Sporting CP.
No midfielder this summer
Links with Angelo Stiller appeared later on in the window, amid talks of Bruno Fernandes and Mainoo being open to exits, but the German ended up staying put in VfB Stuttgart while United held on to their skipper and academy graduate.
Fans were obviously disappointed with the lack of incomings in midfield, but INEOS have admitted that improving the squad cannot all be done in one single window.
Understand that Utd did inquire about a loan for Conor Gallagher but Atletico Madrid only willing to sell. In the end, Utd accept they can’t do everything in one window and midfield is likely to be priority in Jan or next summer #mufc
— Chris Wheeler (@ChrisWheelerDM) September 1, 2025
Conor Gallagher was identified as a last-minute loan option, but Atletico Madrid insisted on only a permanent deal, which resulted in talks breaking off.
“Understand that Utd did inquire about a loan for Conor Gallagher but Atletico Madrid only willing to sell.
Plans shelved till January
“In the end, Utd accept they can’t do everything in one window and midfield is likely to be priority in Jan or next summer,” Chris Wheeler of The Daily Mail wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
Given the money raised through outgoings, and money saved on wages, United certainly have the cash to splash on a midfielder in January. Whether they will do so or will wait until next summer will be interesting to see.
Given what transpired last season, it was fairly obvious the Red Devils would try and improve the team’s attack and in came Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo, and Benjamin Sesko.
With the ever-increasing mistakes in goal, the co-owners did the right thing by bringing in Senne Lammens, but hopefully, they will not rue the missed opportunity to land Emiliano Martinez instead.
Feature image Justin Setterfield via Getty Images
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Ayantan Chowdhury
Ayantan has worked for 10 years in the Indian sports media industry, writing for the biggest newspapers and websites but his heart was always set on writing about his favourite club. Currently an editor at The Peoples Person. You can follow him on X: @ayantanc_25
