Manchester United have been shaken by the unthinkable: Bruno Fernandes, physically infallible, is not fit.
It’s not the best Christmas present for the Red Devils, but Ruben Amorim’s side will have to endure, with Portuguese Magnifico forced out this weekend in the nail-biting defeat at Aston Villa, and he is unlikely to return before the New Year.
It exacerbated an up-and-down season at a frustrating time, and now Amorim’s side will have to adapt, perhaps tweaking their winter transfer plans.
Man Utd’s January priorities
Manchester United have been on the trail of Bournemouth striker Antoine Semenyo in recent weeks, but reports emerged on Christmas Eve that the Ghanaian’s preference was to join Manchester City, and talks are progressing on that front.
The 26-year-old would be a fantastic addition, but there is a case to be made that United’s attention should be focused on another area of the pitch, with Fernandes’ injury and Amorim’s reluctance to start Kobbie Mainoo highlighting the need for a central midfielder.
Well, according to the Daily Mail, Atletico Madrid star Conor Gallagher is on INEOS’ shortlist of midfield targets this winter and is considered a feasible option.
The former Chelsea star, 25, could be available on a loan deal, but Man United could also succeed by putting in a £35million bid.
United are understood to have held talks over a return this summer and are now plotting a move for a number of midfielders, including the England international.
Why Conor Gallagher would be a fantastic signing
England international Gallagher has been at Atletico Madrid for over a year and has moved to Spain. A robust and versatile player, he would add ball control and dimensions to Man United while working tirelessly to protect the defense.
Hailed as an “intensity freak” by one analyst, who discussed United’s interest and why they should sign him, Gallagher has proven himself in English football and again on the continent.
Although he lacks the artistry and playmaking ability of Fernandes, Gallagher has managed to rack up some interesting creative moves over the years, as evidenced by his final year at Chelsea, under the wing of Mauricio Pochettino.
|
Gallagher’s final seasons |
||
|---|---|---|
|
Statistics (* per match) |
22/23 |
23/24 |
|
Matches (departures) |
35 (18) |
37 (37) |
|
Goals |
3 |
5 |
|
Aids |
1 |
7 |
|
Success |
85% |
92% |
|
Big chances created |
5 |
11 |
|
Key passes* |
0.6 |
1.4 |
|
Dribbling* |
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%) |
|
Statistics via Sofascore |
||
He’s a complete and rounded midfielder, someone who perfectly fits the way Amorim wants his Man United midfielders to play.
He carried his skills over to La Liga, and in Spain he developed those qualities, ranking in the top 5% of midfielders in the division for goals scored, top 16% for progressive carries, top 7% for tackles won and top 9% for interceptions per 90, according to FBref.
Given the hopelessness of Man United’s midfield conundrum, it’s easy to see why Gallagher could be seen as an ideal option to bolster the ranks, particularly when you consider the Three Lions star’s wealth of Premier League experience.
Semenyo would be an interesting addition, but United may need to ride the AFCON storm at the moment, welcoming back Bryan Mbeumo and Amad Diallo in the new year.
With Gallagher adding meat and substance to the center of the park, Amorim’s system could finally achieve the balance it has struggled for over the past 12 months.
Better than Anderson and Wharton: Man Utd join race to sign £52m midfielder
Manchester United have identified another major target for the midfield department ahead of January.
