Fabrizio Romano: Man United tried to sign former Chelsea star | OneFootball

Manchester United Failed with Late Midfield Move

Missed opportunity in La Liga

Manchester United’s summer window was notable for five new arrivals, yet none came in midfield. As FourFourTwo reported, the club made a late push to change that with an approach to Atletico Madrid for Conor Gallagher. The England international, trusted by Diego Simeone after an impressive 50 appearances last season, was the subject of a late enquiry that fell flat.

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“One secret to reveal from the summer transfer window is about Manchester United,” explained Fabrizio Romano. “In the last 48 hours of the summer transfer window, Man United tried to sign Conor Gallagher.”

The request, however, was not accepted. Atletico Madrid, having already turned down Crystal Palace’s proposal for a loan, were unwilling to lose a player who had become central to their plans.

Amorim’s midfield concern

Ruben Amorim, keen to add another midfielder, had already seen a move for Brighton’s Carlos Baleba collapse. With the deadline looming, the chase for Gallagher represented a chance to add energy and tactical flexibility. As Romano described, “Man United wanted to sign Gallagher on a loan deal, while Atletico Madrid had already rejected an approach from Crystal Palace 10 days ago.”

Photo IMAGO

The final answer was blunt. “The answer from Atletico to Manchester United was no, no chance to that surprise proposal,” Romano added. The Reds finished the window with only one deadline-day signing, goalkeeper Senne Lammens from Antwerp, leaving Amorim’s midfield wish unfulfilled.

Why Gallagher was appealing

Gallagher’s work rate and stamina remain his hallmarks. Deployed across multiple roles in Simeone’s midfield, he has proved both adaptable and reliable. FourFourTwo noted that “Gallagher would have been a tidy addition for Amorim, especially given his terrific stamina and work rate.” Those qualities contrast with Casemiro and Manuel Ugarte, both of whom have faced scrutiny over dynamism in recent weeks.

Photo IMAGO

Looking ahead to January

The decision not to push harder for Gallagher highlights United’s broader recruitment challenges. Operating late in the window has rarely produced consistent results. While Lammens strengthens depth in goal, the lack of midfield reinforcement may come under the spotlight as the season unfolds. With Gallagher settled in Spain and Atletico resistant, the chances of a renewed attempt may rest on how United’s campaign develops.

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Manchester United went into the summer knowing the midfield required urgency, yet once again, the solution was sought at the last possible moment. The interest in Gallagher felt like a panic move, a rushed attempt rather than a considered plan.

What will sting is the detail, “Man United wanted to sign Gallagher on a loan deal.” That line alone tells supporters plenty. It speaks to hesitation, to a lack of conviction, and to the reality that United were never prepared to make a decisive move. Atletico’s refusal was inevitable, and watching Gallagher flourish in Spain while United’s midfield struggles will only deepen the frustration.

Fans are left questioning Amorim’s influence in recruitment. If he was “desperate to sign a new midfielder,” as reported, why was he not given the tools to do so? Instead, we end up with another window where needs were known but left unmet. The fear is that by the time January arrives, the damage will already be evident. This is not about missing out on one player, it is about a recurring failure to back managers in the moments that matter most.