Former Manchester United midfielder and Scotland international Gordon Strachan has delivered a candid assessment of the club’s current issues, highlighting weaknesses in goal and midfield. Strachan questioned Andre Onana’s ability to command his box and inspire confidence, while suggesting that United urgently need midfielders with energy and physicality—tipping Conor Gallagher as an ideal fit for the modern Premier League.
Onana’s Presence in Question: “At War With Himself”
Gordon Strachan didn’t mince words when evaluating Manchester United’s current No.1, Andre Onana. In a recent interview with OLBG, the former Red Devils man expressed concern over the Cameroonian’s lack of presence—both physically and emotionally.
“When I’ve been successful anywhere, I’ve had goalkeepers with personality and presence,” Strachan said, drawing a comparison to United legend Peter Schmeichel. “The goalkeeper there now, I don’t think he’s got either. He looks like he’s constantly at war with himself.”
Strachan suggested that Onana may need a change of environment to rebuild his confidence. He implied that the pressure of the United shirt might be weighing too heavily, affecting the goalkeeper’s performances and mindset.
Midfield Needs More Than Talent—It Needs Legs
Turning his attention to the engine room, Strachan pointed out a significant gap in Manchester United’s midfield: intensity and endurance. While acknowledging the technical quality of players like Casemiro, Eriksen, and Bruno Fernandes, he insisted that energy is what’s missing.
“They don’t need a bit more bite—they need real legs, real closing down,” Strachan asserted. His recommendation? Conor Gallagher.
Why Gallagher Fits the Mold for a Modern Midfield
The Chelsea midfielder has been linked with United in previous windows, and Strachan believes he brings exactly what the team needs. “Gallagher has the legs and energy—but not the Bruno flair,” he noted, emphasizing the importance of pairing high work rate with creative teammates.
Strachan believes that Gallagher, while perhaps not the most imaginative, could thrive in a more balanced midfield. “If you have people like that with legs in there and have imagination around them, then he’d be a good signing,” he explained.
He also reminisced about a younger Christian Eriksen, who would’ve been the ideal complement in today’s high-tempo game. “A Christian Eriksen of 10 years ago could have done that. But those days of luxury players in top teams are fading fast.”
Final Verdict: Gallagher a Worthy Addition
Strachan concluded by making his stance clear—Gallagher may not be flashy, but his drive, stamina, and resilience make him a better option than several midfielders United have fielded in recent years.
“Would I take him compared to some of the players that have played over the last couple of years at Man Utd? Yes, I would.”
