Manchester United failed in a late bid to bolster Ruben Amorim’s midfield options after Wayne Rooney called for more signings.

The Red Devils turned to midfield targets after spending almost £200m on attacking players Benjamin Sesko, Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha.

A disjointed midfield has been one of Amorim’s biggest problems since his arrival at Old Trafford and United expressed interest in signing Carlos Baleba from Brighton.

Manchester United baulked at Brighton’s asking price of over £100m, however, and a deal for long-term target Adam Wharton always looked unlikely.

United made a last-ditch attempt to sign a new midfielder on transfer deadline day, contacting Atletico Madrid about a deal for England international Conor Gallagher.

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