Manchester United are now considering a “sensational” £52million replacement for Kobbie Mainoo after receiving the green light from Ruben Amorim.
Mainoo heads for exit door amid Keane criticism
Amorim has been extremely reluctant to give Mainoo game time this season, but the Man United manager has the backing of Roy Keane, who recently suggested the midfielder has not done enough in substitute appearances to force his way into contention.
Keane said: “He’s had some opportunities recently and when he comes on and gets them, he just seems a little small to me. I wouldn’t scratch my head thinking: why isn’t he in the team? I can see why he’s not picking him right now.”
However, with the opportunity to play for England in the 2026 World Cup on the line, the 20-year-old cannot afford to remain on the bench for the entire season, and it has now been revealed that he is close to sealing a January exit.
Napoli are now leading the race for the central midfielder, with the Italian club having made progress in negotiations in recent days, and the academy graduate’s departure could exacerbate Amorim’s need to bring in a new midfielder this winter.
As such, the United boss has now given the nod to Atletico Madrid’s Conor Gallagher, according to a report from Football Insider, which states that the former Chelsea man is being targeted as a direct replacement for Mainoo.
The Red Devils are keeping a close eye on Gallagher ahead of the January transfer window as club chiefs believe he would suit Amorim’s system better than Mainoo, but there could be competition for his signature.
Crystal Palace and Tottenham Hotspur are also credited with an interest in the 25-year-old, although a deal could be costly, given he was recently valued at £52 million.
‘Sensational’ Gallagher could be a solid replacement for Mainoo
It would be sad to see Mainoo leave, given the youngster has progressed through the youth ranks, but Amorim is clearly not entirely convinced by the Stockport-born ace, who has played just 118 minutes in six Premier League matches this season.
In an ideal world, Man United would sign one of the world’s best midfielders to replace the starlet, but the Atletico Madrid maestro could be a solid option, given his previous Premier League exploits and proven mentality.
During his time at Crystal Palace during the 2021-22 campaign, the Epsom-born midfielder showed his attacking prowess, scoring eight goals and three assists in the top-flight, while also being solid defensively.
Indeed, Gallagher ranks in the 96th percentile for interceptions per 90 over the past year, compared to his positional peers, proving that he is a complete midfielder.
