Manchester United’s need for a midfielder has been apparent for a while now.
Casemiro cannot play every game due to his ageing legs, while Manuel Ugarte has proven to be a poor signing, struggling to adapt to the Premier League’s pace and physicality.
Kobbie Mainoo has been deemed to be not good enough for the defensive midfield role, and hence, INEOS were keen on signing the Brazilian’s long-term successor.
Carlos Baleba of Brighton and Hove Albion was deemed the perfect solution, but the Seagulls’ valuation meant United ultimately stayed away.
Midfielder hunt
Ruben Amorim was keen on a reunion with Sporting CP’s Morten Hjulmand but doubts over his physicality meant a deal never even got off the ground.
The Red Devils were linked with a shock move for Conor Gallagher of Atletico Madrid, with plenty of Premier League clubs chasing the ex-Chelsea midfielder’s signature.
🚨 BREAKING:
Manchester United have enquired with Conor Gallagher’s management about a loan.
Atletico Madrid want to include an obligation to buy – £45M, United prefer a straight loan with no obligation.#MUFC [@footballespana_] pic.twitter.com/RJBbIirhXH
— UtdXclusive (@UtdXclusive) September 1, 2025
Given United’s outlay this window, INEOS were trying for a low-cost deal, possibly even a loan and approached the Englishman’s entourage as per Football Espana.
Atletico value the 25-year-old at €40 million and have no intention of agreeing a straight loan. They wanted an obligation at the end of the season.
“Manchester United have enquired with Conor Gallagher’s management about a loan.
“Atletico Madrid want to include an obligation to buy – £45M, United prefer a straight loan with no obligation.”
Conor Gallagher loan update
Journalist Shaun Connolly has claimed that the player will not be forcing through an exit, and is happy to play for Diego Simeone’s side this season.
🚨 I’m told reports about a possible deal to take Conor Gallagher to Manchester United are inaccurate.
The player is not looking to force a move, and Atletico Madrid would only consider a permanent deal for €40 million.
Crystal Palace had a loan approach declined. #MUFC
— Shaun Connolly (@shaunconnolly85) September 1, 2025
Crystal Palace had also failed with a loan approach, with the Madrid-based side only prepared to sell for €40 million.
“I’m told reports about a possible deal to take Conor Gallagher to Manchester United are inaccurate. The player is not looking to force a move, and Atletico Madrid would only consider a permanent deal for €40 million.
“Crystal Palace had a loan approach declined,” he wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
Ruben Amorim desperately needs reinforcements in midfield, and hopefully, INEOS can answer the call before the deadline.
Feature image George Wood 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
