Manchester United are considering a surprise loan move for former Chelsea ace Conor Gallagher in the January transfer window, which could pave the way for Koby Mainu to leave Old Trafford.
Manchester United are considering a loan move for Conor Gallagher in January, which could pave the way for Koby Mainu to leave Old Trafford after falling down the pecking order.
Manager Ruben Amorim was keen to sign a new midfielder in the summer, leading to Brighton’s interest in Carlos Baleva. However, after spending more than £200m on a new attack for the 2025-26 season, United did not add to their engine room until after the transfer window closed.
It was later revealed that United had approached Atletico Madrid over a loan move for the England international, but the Spanish giants were only interested in a permanent deal, meaning the former Chelsea player would remain in La Liga. Now, the Daily Mail reports that United will return again in 2026.
They will once again make an initial loan offer, but this time with a view to making the move permanent for £45m in the summer. Gallagher is believed to be happy at Atletico, but is equally keen to play regularly with a view to qualifying for the World Cup.
Gallagher has started just four games in all competitions this season, and United may be able to offer a normal footballing outlook, albeit with question marks over their current midfield image – and that includes Maynou’s lack of minutes.
read more: Former Manchester United star Axel Tuanzebe sues club for £1 million over alleged medical malpracticeread more: Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim may force Casemiro to take a pay cut amid contract finalization
If the former Blues star’s move is successful, Mainoo will fall further down the table. He was praised when he was promoted under manager Erik ten Hag, but ratings have declined since Amorim arrived in the dugout. The club thwarted Maynou’s attempt to leave United on loan in the final week of the summer transfer window.
Mainu is yet to start a Premier League game this season, while Manuel Ugarte, who played under Amorim at Sporting Lisbon, has not started. Instead, Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes form the team’s midfield pairing, although there are legitimate concerns about both players.
Amorim has been frank about wanting to see more of the United academy graduate, who started the Euro 2024 final just a year ago. He previously said, “The reason I didn’t talk to him before the window closed was because I didn’t want Koby Mainu to think I was talking to him just to keep him, which I did this week.”
I believe in him a lot. he is a top player. However, some of you think that Koby Mainu is already finished (a complete player). I think he can do better. For some people (talent) is enough, but for him it’s not. It might not be fair, but I think I’m helping Coby and that’s it.
Join our new WhatsApp community and receive Mirror Football content every day. Community members also receive special offers, promotions, and advertisements from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can always check out. If you are interested, please read our privacy notice.
Sky Sports Premier League and EFL package discounts
£49
£35
sky
Get the deal here
Sky has reduced the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle ahead of the 2025/26 season, saving members £336 on their bill and offering more than 1,400 live matches from Premier League, EFL and more.
Sky will broadcast at least 215 live Premier League matches next season, with an increase of up to 100 more.
