Manchester United's winter transfer plan for midfield exposed, may attempt last-minute loan for Gallagher! All three top targets ruled out

Manchester United aims to sign a new midfielder in 2026, but the January winter transfer window is likely to be challenging. According to transfer expert Ben Jacobs, the Red Devils probably won’t take any immediate action when the window opens, but they might try to make a move towards the end of the period.

The midfielder most likely to join during the winter window remains 25-year-old England international Conor Gallagher from Atlético Madrid. Manchester United plans to try a loan with an option to buy, but this depends on Atlético agreeing to loan him out. The Red Devils attempted a similar approach this summer but were rejected by the "Colchoneros," resulting in Ruben Amorim failing to secure a midfielder.

Manchester United’s three main midfield targets are Elliott Anderson, Adam Walton, and Carlos Baleba, but the chances of these transfers happening are almost zero. Nottingham Forest considers Anderson’s winter move a huge surprise, and Baleba moving from Brighton in January would also be shocking. Crystal Palace currently sits near the top of the Premier League and has no reason to sell Walton.

Therefore, it would not be unexpected if Manchester United fails to acquire a new midfielder in the winter window. However, this might be bad news for 20-year-old English midfielder Kobe Meno, as the club may again refuse to loan or transfer him away.

Manchester United correspondent Andy Mitten revealed that Amorim never favored Meno’s style of play from the start. "Within about two weeks of the new coach’s arrival, I was told someone said Kobe (Meno) needs to do more to prove he deserves a starting spot. Unfortunately, his performance this year has been poor," Mitten said. "Amorim isn’t targeting Kobe personally; he just picks the lineup he believes has the best chance to win."

Jacobs also mentioned that Amorim sees a fatal flaw in Meno’s playing style. Jacobs explained: "One area Meno needs to improve is choosing the right positions to quickly regain possession. Amorim wants midfielders who are more physical and can switch to 'beast mode,' like Anderson. He appreciates Meno’s ball control but prefers a 'safety-net' type midfielder who can both stop counterattacks in the right spots and quickly recover defensively."

However, despite the stylistic mismatch, Meno at least provides an additional option, so if no new signing is made in the winter window, it’s possible he will be forced to stay.

Italian transfer expert Fabrizio Romano stated: "Since August, Napoli has been one of over ten clubs interested in Meno, closely monitoring the situation. But this deal depends on Manchester United’s decision, as Amorim does not want to lose players while many are unavailable due to the Africa Cup of Nations."

It is reported that Meno remains professional in training, though understandably frustrated, as the young English player hopes for more playing time before the World Cup and believes he has done enough to deserve it. He is prepared to wait a few more weeks to see if he gets opportunities during the busiest schedule. If not, he will request a transfer.

Manchester United fans like Meno and cheered loudly when he came on as a substitute against Wolves. However, this does not change the bleak future he faces at Old Trafford. Mitten said: "Unfortunately, I think the situation isn’t good for him. Manchester United is looking to sign two midfielders, so the future looks tough for Meno. I’m quite pessimistic about his prospects as a Manchester United player."