Amorim’s new Mount: INEOS hunting Man Utd deal to sign £150k-p/w “monster”
Manchester United have been on the hunt for a new central midfielder over the last couple of months, with Ruben Amorim wanting added reinforcements at the heart of the side.
The 40-year-old has made such a position the priority for the upcoming window, in an attempt to strengthen their standing in the Premier League before the end of the season.
Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes have largely been the go-to partnership over recent months, but given that the Brazilian is now 33, a long-term solution is undoubtedly needed.
Kobbie Mainoo would undoubtedly be the supporters’ first choice to fill the void, but it appears as though the youngster could be heading closer to the exit door.
As a result, numerous options have appeared on their radar in recent weeks, with the hierarchy evidently making moves ahead of the window opening in a couple of weeks.
United’s hunt for a new central midfielder this January
Adam Wharton has been one name on the tip of many United fans’ tongues over the last few weeks, with rumours circulating over a possible move for the Englishman.
It was reported earlier this week that the Red Devils are preparing a bid in the region of £87m to land the Crystal Palace star – a deal that would be a huge investment from INEOS.
However, it’s thought that the Eagles are hugely reluctant to offload their star man, which could make a deal somewhat tricky to complete this winter.
As a result, other options are being considered, which has led to rumours over a deal for Atlético Madrid star Conor Gallagher resurfacing once again.
Journalist Ben Jacobs stated this week that Amorim’s men could be tempted to revisit a move for the 25-year-old, who only joined the LaLiga side last summer.
He also stated the hierarchy could be tempted by a potential loan deal, but it’s unclear if Diego Simeone’s side would be willing to let him leave on a temporary basis.
Why United’s latest target would be the next Mount
Back in the summer of 2023, United secured the £60m signing of midfielder Mason Mount from Chelsea – a deal that massively raised eyebrows at the time.
Such a figure was seen as too expensive for the Englishman, something which was only magnified as a result of his constant battles with injuries in his first two years at Old Trafford.
He could only make 47 appearances in his first two seasons in Manchester, but it appears she’s put his struggles behind him in 2025/26, with the 26-year-old now in the form of his life.
Amorim has stuck by him in recent months, with Mount repaying the favour, as seen by his tally of three league goals this season – two of which have come in the last three games.
At present, he’s a key member of the United squad and could play a massive role when the likes of Bryan Mbeumo and Amad Diallo go to AFCON in the coming weeks.
However, the hierarchy could complete a similar deal to Mount with a move for Gallagher, with the Atlético star also coming through the ranks at Chelsea before starring as a professional.
Like a deal for the midfielder a couple of years ago, many supporters have voiced their displeasure at a deal for the LaLiga star, but it could prove to be a shrewd addition.
His stats from the ongoing campaign showcase his talents, with many of which massively bolstering the options currently at the disposal of the manager at Old Trafford.
Gallagher, who’s been dubbed a “monster” by one analyst, has won 2.5 tackles and made 1.6 interceptions per 90, with such numbers showcasing his dominant ball-winning presence that Amorim craves.
Conor Gallagher – LaLiga stats (2025/26)
Statistics (per 90)
Tally
Games played
16
Goals & assists
1
Pass accuracy
88%
Shots taken
1.4
Progressive carries
2.7
Progressive passes
3.9
Tackles made
2.5
Interceptions made
1.6
Carries into opposition box
0.9
Stats via FBref
He’s also made 0.9 carries into the opposition box as part of his 2.7 progressive carries per 90, highlighting his ability with the ball when winning it back for his side.
Gallagher, who earns £150k-per-week, has completed 88% of the passes he’s attempted to date, with 3.9 of which per 90 going into the final third, further reaffirming his incredible ball-playing talents.
Such a deal may be tricky to conduct for the Red Devils this window, but it would be a superb piece of business and one that could take the side to the next level.
If he can achieve the heights achieved by Mount, it would be an excellent deal and one that could finally end the hierarchy’s hunt for a new number eight in 2026.
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