Manchester United have been rocked by the unthinkable: Bruno Fernandes, infallible on the fitness front, is not fit.
Not the nicest Christmas present for those of a Red Devil persuasion, but Ruben Amorim’s side will have to endure, with the Portuguese Magnifico forced off at the weekend during the hard-battled loss at Aston Villa, unlikely to feature again before the New Year.
This has exacerbated an up-and-down season at a frustrating moment, and now, Amorim’s side will need to adapt, perhaps tweaking their winter transfer plans.
Man Utd's January priorities
Manchester United have been hot on the trail of Bournemouth forward Antoine Semenyo in recent weeks, but news has emerged on the eve of Christmas that the Ghanaian’s preference is to join Manchester City, and talks are advancing on that front.
The 26-year-old would be a fantastic addition, but there’s a case to be made that United’s attention should rest on another area of the pitch, with Fernandes’ injury and Amorim’s unwillingness to start Kobbie Mainoo emphasising the need for a centre-midfielder.
Well, according to the Daily Mail, Atletico Madrid star Conor Gallagher is on INEOS’s shortlist of midfield targets this winter and is viewed as a feasible option.
The former Chelsea star, 25, could be available on a loan deal, but Man United might equally find success in lodging a £35m offer.
It’s said that United held talks over a move back in the summer and are now readying a move for a number of midfielders, one of which includes the England international.
Why Conor Gallagher would be a fantastic signing
England international Gallagher has been at Atletico Madrid for over a year, and he has settled into life in Spain. A robust, all-action player, he would add to Man United control and dimensions on the ball while working tirelessly to protect the defence.
Hailed as an “intensity monster” by one analyst, who was discussing United’s interest and why they should sign him, Gallagher has proven himself in English football and again on the continent.
While he lacks Fernandes’ artistry and playmaking ability, Gallagher has managed to rack up some interesting creative metrics over the years, as evidenced across his final year at Chelsea, under Mauricio Pochettino’s wing.
Gallagher’s Recent Prem Seasons
Stats (* per game)
22/23
23/24
Matches (starts)
35 (18)
37 (37)
Goals
3
5
Assists
1
7
Pass completion
85%
92%
Big chances created
5
11
Key passes*
0.6
1.4
Dribbles*
0.7 (50%)
1.0 (68%)
Ball recoveries*
5.1
6.3
Tackles*
1.3
2.3
Duels (won)*
3.5 (45%)
5.7 (50%)
Stats via Sofascore
This is a complete, rounded midfielder, someone who aligns perfectly with the way that Amorim wants his Man United midfielders to play.
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He has carried his skills over to La Liga, and in Spain, he has fostered those qualities, ranking among the top 5% of the division’s midfielders for goals scored, the top 16% for progressive carries, the top 7% for tackles won and the top 9% for interceptions per 90, as per FBref.
Given the desperation of Man United’s midfield conundrum, it’s easy to see why Gallagher might be viewed as an ideal option to strengthen the ranks with, especially when considering the Three Lions star’s wealth of Premier League experience.
Semenyo would be a neat addition, but United might just need to ride the AFCON storm at the moment, welcoming the likes of Bryan Mbeumo and Amad Diallo back to the fold in the new year.
With Gallagher adding meat and substance in the centre of the park, Amorim’s system might finally achieve the balance it has been struggling for over the past 12 months.
Better than Anderson & Wharton: Man Utd join race to sign £52m midfielder
Manchester United have identified another top target for the midfield department ahead of January.
ByEthan Lamb