Manchester United are preparing to move swiftly in the January transfer window as they look to strengthen their squad and keep their push for a Champions League place firmly on track.
With the season reaching a crucial stage, the club’s hierarchy and new head coach Ruben Amorim are keen to address key weaknesses sooner rather than later rather than waiting until the summer.
Currently sitting seventh in the Premier League, United are only three points adrift of fourth-placed Chelsea. While their recent form has been inconsistent—recording just two wins in their last eight league outings—the overall picture suggests a side that is not far from contention.
A series of frustrating draws has prevented them from climbing higher, but those same results also indicate that only a few targeted improvements could significantly alter their trajectory.
Amorim has already shown a growing willingness to tweak his tactical setup during matches, adapting his shape and approach based on game situations.
However, the lack of depth and balance in certain areas, particularly midfield, has limited his options.
Reinforcements in January could therefore prove decisive, potentially acting as the final piece needed to accelerate United’s return to Europe’s top competition sooner than expected.
One player who has emerged as a particularly realistic and appealing option is Atlético Madrid midfielder Conor Gallagher.
The situation in United’s midfield has become more complicated following an injury to captain Bruno Fernandes, leaving Amorim short of reliable options in the engine room.
While younger midfielders such as Carlos Baleba, Elliot Anderson, and Adam Wharton are admired by the club, any attempt to sign them midway through the season would be complex and expensive, with selling clubs likely to demand inflated fees.
United’s longer-term strategy reportedly involves adding two midfielders over the next 18 months. In that context, a more affordable and attainable signing like Gallagher could make sense now, allowing the club to pursue a marquee younger talent in the summer.
The England international built a reputation at Chelsea for his relentless energy, leadership qualities, and tactical intelligence, eventually becoming a senior figure in a youthful squad before his move to Atlético Madrid in 2024.
Although Gallagher showed promise during parts of his debut season in Spain, his role has diminished this term, with the midfielder often starting matches on the bench. That uncertainty has cast doubt over his long-term future in Madrid.
Reports suggest Atlético would be open to a permanent transfer rather than a loan, with a valuation in the region of £35 million—an amount United may view as reasonable given the circumstances.
United’s interest in Gallagher is not new, and recent reports indicate that his name has once again climbed high on their shortlist as a feasible January addition.
Securing his signature early in the window could allow the club to then shift focus toward attacking reinforcements, including the widely discussed pursuit of Bournemouth winger Antoine Semenyo.
From a tactical perspective, Gallagher could offer exactly what United have often lacked: intensity, mobility, and defensive resilience in midfield.
With Fernandes sidelined and frequently linked with future moves, Casemiro nearing the end of his contract, and questions surrounding the long-term suitability of both Kobbie Mainoo and Manuel Ugarte, Gallagher could quickly become a valuable contributor at Old Trafford.
While he may not replicate Fernandes’ creativity, his work rate and defensive awareness could ease the burden on others and bring much-needed balance.
Looking further ahead, pairing Gallagher with a younger, technically gifted midfielder such as Wharton or Baleba—potentially in the summer—could signal the start of a new midfield era for United.
Though not the most glamorous name on the market, Gallagher could prove to be a smart, stabilising acquisition, helping United regain momentum and lay stronger foundations for sustained success.
