Man Utd eye Kobbie Mainoo replacement as potential transfer takes next step

Manchester United are considering a shock loan move for ex-Chelsea ace Conor Gallagher in the January transfer window which could pave the way for Kobbie Mainoo to depart Old Trafford

Manchester United are weighing up a loan move for Conor Gallagher in January - which would potentially open the door for Kobbie Mainoo to leave Old Trafford having fallen down the pecking order.

Ruben Amorim was keen to add a new midfielder in the summer, leading to their interest in Brighton's Carlos Baleba. But after spending in excess of £200million on a new-look attack for the 2025-26 campaign, United did not add to their engine room before the transfer window shut.

It's since emerged that United DID approach Atletico Madrid over a loan move for the England international but the Spanish giants were only interested in a permanent deal, with the former Chelsea man remaining in La Liga. Now the Daily Mail reports that United will return again in 2026.

They will again come in with an initial loan offer, but this time with the view to a £45million permanent switch in the summer. Gallagher is thought to be happy at Atletico, but equally wants to play regularly with a World Cup place on his radar.

Gallagher has started just four matches in all competitions this season and United may be able to offer the prospect of regular football with question marks over their current midfield picture - which has involved a lack of involvement for Mainoo.

A successful move for the former Blues star would likely push Mainoo further down the pecking order. He was hailed when he came through the ranks under Erik ten Hag, but has seen his stock fall since Amorim arrived in the dugout. The club blocked Mainoo’s attempts to leave United on loan in the final week of the summer transfer window.

Mainoo is yet to start a Premier League match this season whilst Manuel Ugarte, who played under Amorim at Sporting Lisbon, is not a starter. Instead Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes have been the team's midfield duo despite there being legitimate concerns over both men.

Amorim has been open about his want to see more from the United academy graduate, who just over a year ago was starting in the Euro 2024 final. He said previously: "I didn't have a conversation with him before the window closed because I didn't want Kobbie Mainoo thinking that I was having a conversation with him just to hold on to him. I did it this week.

I believe in him a lot. He is a top player. But some of you think that Kobbie Mainoo is already done [a complete player]. I think he can do so much better. For some guys [talent] is enough, but for him it is not. Maybe it's not fair, but I think I'm helping Kobbie and that's it."