United eye Gallagher as Amorim seeks a midfield spark

Manchester United are circling Conor Gallagher with real intent, if Spanish outlet Fichajes is on the money, and you can see why. United’s season has been a stop-start grind under Ruben Amorim, and the midfield lacks that relentless drive Gallagher brings when he’s let off the leash. If the Atletico Madrid man truly wants a Premier League return, Old Trafford looks a natural landing spot.

The state of United under Amorim

It’s been a jittery opening to the 2025/26 campaign. United splashed out to reshape the forward line and got early nudges in the right direction: Benjamin Sesko and Bryan Mbeumo have opened their accounts, while Matheus Cunha is yet to get off the mark but hardly looks short of confidence. Even so, pressure is creeping up on Amorim after that damaging defeat to Brentford, and the uncomfortable stat remains: no back-to-back league wins on his watch yet.

Gallagher’s case: Premier League pedigree, Simeone schooling

Gallagher’s CV ticks the boxes United have been ignoring for too long. He burst onto the scene with a dynamic loan spell at Crystal Palace before becoming a first-team fixture at Chelsea between 2022 and 2024. A move to Atletico Madrid added Diego Simeone’s defensive discipline to his pressing and ball-winning, but the snag in Spain has been game time. The report claims his minutes have been too patchy for comfort, and a homecoming is high on his agenda.

What he’d add to United’s engine room

United’s midfield needs legs, bite and tempo. Gallagher offers exactly that. He hunts the ball, breaks lines with and without possession, and sets a pressing trigger that teammates can rally around. In comparison to the current mix—more control and screening from the likes of Casemiro and the destructive edge of Manuel Ugarte—Gallagher brings verticality and repeat sprints. He’s the archetypal tone-setter in games that risk slipping into a lull.

Price tag, wages and January realities

Here’s the rub. Atletico won’t wave him off for peanuts, and Gallagher commands around £200,000 per week. That’s elite-earner territory, and any January play will come with the usual winter-window premium. Still, the calculation is simple: United need a midfielder who changes the rhythm immediately, not a project for next season. If there’s an opportunity to strike, they’ll have to be decisive.

For those watching the market as closely as the results, keep an eye on the chatter around the window via best betting sites. January is chaos, but it often rewards the bold. If United want energy, leadership and a pressing heartbeat from day one, Gallagher fits the brief.

Where it leaves Amorim

Amorim’s blueprint demands aggression and cohesion without the ball, and Gallagher feels tailor-made for that. The manager needs quick wins to steady the narrative, and a high-octane midfielder who can lead the press would stitch his system together more convincingly. Whether it’s a permanent swoop or a structured deal, United look like one of the keenest suitors—if Fichajes’ line holds.

Pundit’s verdict

It’s the right target at the right time. United have firepower but not enough firestarters in midfield. Gallagher won’t fix every flaw, yet he gives this side an identity between the boxes. If Atletico open the door—and if United are willing to meet the price—this could be the signing that finally lets Amorim take two steps forward instead of one step forward, one step back.