Mauricio Pochettino should make Conor Gallagher his opening signing if he takes charge at Manchester United. The USMNT boss appears set to replace Michael Carrick at Old Trafford. He and Gallagher worked well together during a brief spell at Chelsea, where the midfielder became one of the few Cobham graduates to captain the first team.
Gallagher made 50 appearances for the Blues under Pochettino, scoring seven goals and setting up nine. Through 2023/24 he was used as a six, an eight and a ten. The Argentine noticed him quickly, put him in the leadership group and handed him the armband within weeks of the season starting. He captained the side in a few matches before the new year, then held the role permanently from March to May. He was one of the first names on the team sheet and helped Chelsea reach the Champions League, though he won no trophy. His high-energy, all-action style suited Pochettino’s chaotic approach.
When Pochettino arrived at Stamford Bridge, he fended off suitors by saying Gallagher was central to his plans. He called him a consistent player who could perform in several positions and praised his commitment. He added that he couldn’t predict the future, but that every player, however expensive, has to perform to deserve a place. In Gallagher’s case, he said, the club was very happy and hoped he would stay.
Midway through the season, after a 3-1 win over Crystal Palace in February 2024, Pochettino went further and called Gallagher priceless. He said the midfielder always tried to make up for gaps in attack and defence.
Pochettino was sacked at the end of that season. Gallagher thanked him in June 2024, crediting him for the chance to show Chelsea what he could do and pointing to his man-management. He said that when a manager shows belief and trust in you, it boosts your confidence, and that he intended to build on that.
Gallagher left Chelsea that summer after 18 years at the club, joining Atletico Madrid for £33m. After 18 months in the Spanish capital, he moved to Tottenham for £35m. He hasn’t made much impact in north London, and with Roberto De Zerbi favouring a possession-heavy style, his minutes may stay limited. Under the Italian he has made just three starts in 10 Premier League games and played just under 400 minutes in all competitions.
If United secure Pochettino, signing Gallagher would make sense. He already knows the manager’s philosophy and could put his ideas into practice straight away. He would also add mobility to a midfield that has plenty of technical quality but is often outrun and physically short. As one of the country’s best out-of-possession players, he can cover big distances, lead the press and win duels, setting an example on and off the pitch. Tottenham wouldn’t be left short, since De Zerbi has plenty of other midfielders, and Johan Lange could use the money to bring in a new striker.
