Manchester United’s midfield is once again under scrutiny. The Red Devils fell to a 3–1 defeat at Brentford over the weekend, exposing major flaws in their engine room.
Ruben Amorim continues to field Bruno Fernandes in a deeper role alongside Manuel Ugarte or Casemiro. It is a decision that has sparked widespread criticism.
Kobbie Mainoo remains out in the cold. Fernandes looks restricted. And United’s midfield continues to be a problem.
The club blocked a loan exit for Mainoo in the summer, promising him a key role, but he continues to have limited game time. Now, focus has shifted back to the transfer market.
Manchester United have a new midfield target on their radar. According to The Express, United remain interested in a La Liga midfielder they failed to land during the summer window.
The Red Devils are looking for a backup option in case their primary target, Brighton’s Carlos Baleba, proves too expensive.
Brighton value Baleba at around £110m. If talks with the Seagulls collapse just like it happened this summer, United will pursue their “Plan B”.
As per reports, Manchester United are eyeing for Conor Gallagher. Currently at Atletico Madrid, the former Chelsea man joined the Spanish side in a £36m move last summer.
Gallagher started just two of Atletico’s seven league matches this season and came off early in each of his starts across all competitions.
Diego Simeone is reportedly unconvinced. And Gallagher, now 25, is said to be concerned about his place in England’s squad for the 2026 World Cup.
Despite doubts over his role, Atletico are not planning to let him go cheaply.
Club president Enrique Cerezo has placed a £50m valuation on Gallagher, whose contract runs until 2029.
However, Champions League football could be key to Gallagher’s decision. And without it, United may find themselves outbid by rivals operating at the top table in Europe.
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