Manchester United transfer news: Conor Gallagher reacts to speculation amid Atletico Madrid exit talk

Manchester United have seemingly been dealt a blow amid speculation that they hold an interest in Atletico Madrid midfielder Conor Gallagher.

Despite their obvious improvements in recent weeks, Ruben Amorim is still eager to add extra depth to his engine room in 2026.

As well as Casemiro now being 33 years of age, there has been constant talk over the future of Kobbie Mainoo who finds himself down the pecking order under the Portuguese.

While an array of midfielders have been linked with a transfer to Old Trafford, Gallagher is an obvious name on United's shortlist.

The former Chelsea star is earning regular appearances at Atletico without having faith placed in him by head coach Diego Simeone.

Gallagher comments on transfer speculation

Although the England international has been provided with 16 appearances in all competitions during 2025-26, just four of those outings have come from the starting lineup.

Nevertheless, speaking in an interview with AS, the 25-year-old has reiterated that he remains happy at the La Liga giants despite being 'unsatisfied' with his game time.

Gallagher said: "I'm not satisfied. I don't think anyone is if they're not playing as much as they'd like, but I'll keep working very hard to help the team whenever I have the chance, and hopefully more opportunities to be a starter will come.

He added: "I'm very happy here. My goal is to win titles with Atleti and I want to have a bigger role in the team. And, as I've said, I'm going to keep working as hard as I can to play more minutes and help the team.

"Sometimes it's difficult to get a few minutes on the pitch and show everything I can do. But, as I said, the most important thing is to do my best for the coach and the team, and that's what I'm trying to do right now."

Gallagher not in rush to leave Atletico

When he is less than 18 months into a five-year contract, Gallagher is likely to remain invested in trying to help Atletico bridge the gap to Real Madrid and Barcelona.

There is currently only a three-point gap to second-placed Barcelona in the La Liga table and six points to leaders Real Madrid, who Atletico have already defeated this season.

However, Gallagher has become nothing more than a rotational squad member under Simeone, making a total of 32 starts and 34 substitute outings in all competitions.

That has ultimately cost him his place in the England squad, but Gallagher will give no consideration to a departure from Atletico until the summer at the very earliest.