What it means to be Manchester United seems to be evaporating with every season—or even every game—that goes by.
In addition to being a losing machine, the club’s soul has recently been somewhat lost due to the INEOS regime’s constant layoffs, which were implemented in order to finance yet another round of costly player acquisitions.
Having strayed so far from the gung-ho, edge-of-your-seat style that was associated with Sir Alex Ferguson and many who came before him, Ruben Amorim’s perseverance with his 3-4-2-1 system on the field seems to be at odds with the great teams of the past.
Academy graduates have been the main victims of United’s recurrent selling of the family silver, which is a microcosm of the modern game.
The Red Devils only sent Scott McTominay to Napoli last summer in an attempt to replace him with Manuel Ugarte. One of those two is currently nominated for a Ballon d’Or.
Due to his lack of consistent playing time, Alejandro Garnacho has been permitted to join the Chelsea circus this summer, and Kobbie Mainoo, another FA Cup final hero, has been predicted to follow him out the door.
A player whom Gary Neville suggested the club should be “building [the team] around”, Mainoo simply can’t be allowed to leave. Instead, a new addition is needed to help revive him.
Latest on Man Utd’s midfield search
“Now I’m a Baleba…”
Scarves were undoubtedly being sold, and the songs had already been written. Despite designating the Cameroonian as a top target, United will not be spending the necessary £100 million plus to get Carlos Baleba from Brighton & Hove Albion unless there is a significant shift.
Amorim’s hunt for an athletic number eight will need to change its focus because the Seagulls are adamant about keeping their 21-year-old sensation. The center of the park needs reinforcement in particular, as the team continues to rely on an aging Casemiro.
In light of this, Caught Offside has revealed that United is interested in signing Conor Gallagher, a midfielder for Atletico Madrid, who appears to be headed back to the Premier League.
The 25-year-old is reportedly available as the transfer window comes to an end, with the La Liga team setting an asking price of £45 million on his head. An offer in that area would probably be accepted as a result.
Since Tottenham Hotspur is reportedly the team “leading the race” at the moment, it should come as no surprise that Amorim and company are not the only ones interested. There are even rumors that the Lilywhites are prepared to bid.
Why Conor Gallagher could be perfect for Mainoo
The main problem facing young Mainoo at the moment is that Amorim has stated that he sees the 20-year-old as Bruno Fernandes’ rival in central midfield rather than a teammate, which means he will have a very difficult time getting into the game.
Having previously flourished in a deeper position during his breakthrough 2023–24 season, United’s top creator would still be more suited for a number ten spot, which could allow Mainoo to secure the number eight spot instead.
It’s easy to forget what a revelation the Englishman was the year before, as last season was filled with injuries and frustration. He began the season with a Man of the Match performance on his maiden Premier League start at Everton in November 2023.
Before starting every knockout game during England’s run to the Euro 2024 final—including the showpiece loss to Spain—the then-teenager scored the Wembley winner during a stratospheric ascent over the next few months.
According to colleague Rasmus Hojlund, Mainoo is a “generational” talent who has the uncanny ability to easily outshine opponents. Anthony Elanga even compared him to Paul Pogba because of his poise and strength.
| Man Utd’s most valuable graduates | |
|---|---|
| Player | Value |
| Marcus Rashford | £42m |
| Scott McTominay | £42m |
| Kobbie Mainoo | £42m |
| Alejandro Garnacho | £38m |
| Anthony Elanga | £36m |
| Mason Greenwood | £34m |
| Alvaro Carreras | £30m |
| Dwight McNeil | £21m |
| Dean Henderson | £17m |
| Angel Gomes | £17m |
| via Transfermarkt | |
Pogba’s tenure at United alone could fill a 10,000-word essay, but it was on the international scene that the Frenchman really excelled, teaming up with a certain N’Golo Kante to help Les Bleus win the World Cup in 2018.
Mainoo needs the athletic workhorse by his side, just like the erratic Pogba, especially in this 3-4-2-1 style.
Come on in, Gallagher.
In the engine room, the Atleti star would be the ideal counterpoint to Mainoo, who was previously compared to his former Chelsea teammate by Thomas Tuchel and compared to “Kante with goals” by talkSPORT commentator Tony Cascarino.
A pressing “monster” according to Tom Dutton, the £45 million player was a constant in Diego Simeone’s lineup and was in the top 4% of Champions League midfielders for interceptions per 90 last season, according to FBref.
The former Crystal Palace loanee plays a straightforward but efficient game, making sure he could regain control before selecting players like Mainoo ahead of him. He also ranks in the top 1% for passes between 15 and 30 yards.
That’s not to suggest he’s just the quintessential “piano carrier,” though, as Gallagher, who finished La Liga with six goals and six assists, is a serious threat in his own right as an attacker. According to Sofascore, his 87% pass accuracy rate is likewise not to be taken lightly.
Few players have such remarkable physical attributes, even though there may be more technically skilled players available. The Cobham graduate may be the athletic answer Amorim has been looking for all summer.
It might be just what is required to bring out the best in Mainoo once more if an agreement can be reached in the final moments. If Amorim is unable to bring United’s golden child back to life, then it’s his fault.
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