Man Utd's push to bring in Gallagher and Stiller to boost weak area in team

Manchester United failed in their attempts to sign two midfielders on transfer deadline day, with late moves for Conor Gallagher and Angelo Stiller both collapsing.

According to Fabrizio Romano, United made a loan proposal for Gallagher, who left Chelsea for Atlético Madrid last summer.

The England international has been on the club's radar for months, and the club made a last-ditch effort to bring him back to the Premier League.

Atlético, however, swiftly rejected the bid, insisting Gallagher remains a key part of their plans. The Spanish side had already turned down interest from Crystal Palace earlier in the window, and United’s approach met the same fate.

At the same time, United explored the possibility of signing Angelo Stiller from Stuttgart. Reports in Germany initially suggested talks were at an advanced stage, with claims a delegation was preparing to travel.

Romano moved quickly to dismiss those reports, stating that “there are zero negotiations” and that Stiller is expected to stay with Stuttgart.

The player himself later echoed that stance, saying he was happy in the Bundesliga and needed regular football ahead of a World Cup year.

The double setback leaves United without a new midfield addition despite weeks of speculation. It also comes after academy star Kobbie Mainoo was denied a loan move away to secure game time, frustrating both the player and head coach Ruben Amorim.

United’s inability to reinforce in midfield contrasts sharply with their activity elsewhere in the squad.

Striker Rasmus Højlund was allowed to join Napoli on loan, while the club restructured its goalkeeping department with the signing of Senne Lammens. But in midfield, where depth and balance remain major concerns, United end the window as they started—short on reinforcements.

With Gallagher staying in Spain and Stiller committed to Stuttgart, United will now have to wait until January to address what many see as their most pressing issue.