Midfield is the area Manchester United need to fix, and one potential target had a chance to try and impress.
Manchester United’s midfield was an afterthought in the summer transfer window, with attention only turning to the position once three attacking signings were completed.
United wanted to sign Carlos Baleba, but Brighton made clear he was not for sale. Manchester United did little else, apart from one late enquiry.
United In Focus reported on deadline day how the Red Devils tried to sign former Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher on loan.
Gallagher was tempted by the proposal, but Spanish newspaper AS reported how Atletico Madrid wanted to keep the midfielder.
How Conor Gallagher fared vs Liverpool
Conor Gallagher was in action in the Champions League last night for Atletico Madrid, in a dramatic game at Anfield. It was notable as he was the only English player in the starting line-up for both teams.
Liverpool took a 2-0 lead within the first six minute, before Atletico fought back in the game and brought it level. Virgil van Dijk scored an injury-time winner.
Gallagher played 61 minutes. He completed 90 per cent of his passes, while making seven defensive contributions.
It was not the sort of performance to sway United one way or another. And one of his teammates will have caught the eye instead.
Marcos Llorente steals the show
Atletico Madrid’s star man was Marcos Llorente, who scored two goals to haunt Liverpool again, having knocked them out of the Champions League in 2020.
Llorente’s star turn will have had Manchester United scouts shaking their heads, if they were there checking up on Gallagher.
AS reported in 2021 how Manchester United submitted an offer of £68.5 million for Llorente, and were considering cashing in.
“United’s offer is on the table, and Atletico Madrid is tempted to accept it. Now it remains for Marcos Llorente to accept being sold.”
But it was Llorente who blocked the move, insistent on staying put in Spain, where he has remained since.
“He’s very comfortable at Atletico and doesn’t want to leave Madrid. He’s building a new house in the Spanish capital, and his life and sporting vision lie at Atletico de Madrid,” AS continued.
Llorente has been a key part of the Atletico team over the past half-decade, while Manchester United’s midfield has struggled to find consistency.
His two goals at Anfield were a reminder of what might have been, while Gallagher remains a mystery.
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