Manchester United reportedly tried to sign England midfielder Conor Gallagher on loan, only to see the proposal rejected by Atletico Madrid.
United enjoyed a productive transfer window, adding significantly to their forward line with the additions of Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbuemo and Benjamin Sesko.
In addition, they signed a goalkeeper on deadline day, Senne Lammens arriving from Royal Antwerp amid continued scrutiny on Andre Onana and Altay Bayindir.
However, outside of Bruno Fernandes, the United midfield still appears lacking, and they attempted to address that with the loan signing of Gallagher.
🚨 Manchester United have had a loan proposal rejected by Atlético Madrid for Conor Gallagher.
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) September 4, 2025
United asked for Gallagher but no plans for Atléti to let him leave on loan.
Same answer was received by Crystal Palace one week ago.
🎥 https://t.co/BpUj1dfBMD pic.twitter.com/Bp6KcU9bCL
Atletico say no to Gallagher loan
Former Chelsea midfielder Gallagher had been consistently linked with a return to the Premier League during the transfer window following his move to Atletico last year.
However, according to Fabrizio Romano, Atletico were unwilling to allow Gallagher to leave on loan, with United receiving the same answer given to one of his former clubs.
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Crystal Palace, with whom he spent an impressive season on loan in 2021-22, also enquired with Atletico about the possibility of taking Gallagher for the 2025-26 season.
But with both approaches knocked back, Gallagher is set to spend a second successive season at the Metropolitano.
Gallagher made 47 appearances in all competitions for Atletico last season, scoring four goals and providing six assists.
He has featured in all three of their La Liga games so far this season, but was left out of Thomas Tuchel's England squad for the World Cup qualifiers with Andorra and Serbia.
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