Man United missed out on ex-Chelsea lynchpin who would have been ideal signing

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Manchester United are in a state of flux, with summer signings and a slow start to the 2025-26 season meaning the club is in transition.

United signed Benjamin Sesko and a host of other new attacking players over the summer, with Rubem Amorim’s men hoping to improve on last season’s 15th place Premier League finish.

The Red Devils have toiled at the start of the new season, but recorded their first win of the Premier League campaign last time out against newly promoted Burnley.

However, it feels like United are missing a leader in the heart of their midfield and that the balance in that part of the team is not quite right.

United made loan offer for Conor Gallagher

Fabrizio Romano suggests on X that United made a loan offer for Atletico Madrid midfielder Conor Gallagher before the window closed.

The England international has made a positive impression in the Spanish capital since moving from Chelsea last summer and the journalist suggests Atleti did not consider letting the midfielder leave.

With Manuel Ugarte struggling for form and Casemiro starting to feel his age, United lack energy and a leader in the centre of the pitch.

This has been compounded by former United player Scott McTominay excelling for Napoli since he left Old Trafford 12 months ago.

Amorim must sort midfield mess

Gallagher could have been that essential player to add competitiveness, hunger and quality to the United midfield, but it wasn’t to be.

With the transfer window now closed, Amorim needs to find a better balance in midfield to make United more competitive and less open.

Kobbie Mainoo has fallen down the pecking order at Old Trafford and could well be a solution if he can be reintegrated into the starting XI.

However, with United facing cross-town rivals Manchester City after the international break, Amorim needs to work fast to find a midfield partnership that works.