Report: Man United eyeing shock move to sign Liverpool star | OneFootball

Man Utd Weigh Alexis Mac Allister Move Amid Liverpool Uncertainty

Manchester United are considering a stunning swoop on bitter rivals Liverpool for Alexis Mac Allister, according to the Daily Star. In an era when transfers are driven by data and diplomacy, this would be raw theatre.

United are currently compiling a shortlist of prospective midfield targets the club will look to secure in the summer transfer window. And it’s believed Old Trafford chiefs are monitoring closely the situation surrounding World Cup winner Mac Allister.

Rumours are growing that the Argentine sensation might depart Liverpool this summer. The 27-year-old remains tied to Anfield until 2028, but has experienced a challenging season which has witnessed him battle to rediscover his peak performance levels.

Old Trafford Ambition Meets Anfield Reality

United have shown interest in Adam Wharton, Carlos Baleba and Elliot Anderson. Each represents youthful promise. Mac Allister represents pedigree. He arrived at Liverpool from Brighton in a £55m signing in 2023 and subsequently played a key role in their Premier League triumph last season.

Considered one of the finest midfielders globally, Mac Allister was instrumental in Argentina’s World Cup victory in Qatar in 2022, following their exhilarating final win over France. That 3-3 epic, settled on penalties, confirmed his status on the biggest stage.

Photo: IMAGO

Tempting Mac Allister away from Anfield to Old Trafford would represent an enormous challenge for United, given the intense rivalry that exists between the two clubs. There are numerous instances of players having represented both clubs during their careers, including Michael Owen and Paul Ince. However, since the 1964 transfer of Phil Chisnall from United to Liverpool, no player has switched directly between the two clubs.

Champions League Factor Looms Large

Whether Mac Allister is prepared to depart Liverpool remains uncertain, but he has previously voiced an ambition to ply his trade in Spain at some point in his career. That admission lingers. It fuels speculation without confirming intent.

United are aware that they stand no chance of securing a player of Mac Allister’s calibre unless they clinch Champions League qualification this season. Recruitment at this level demands European football. Prestige still matters.

Despite the odds being heavily against United acquiring Mac Allister, co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe wishes to keep all possibilities on the table, and would be keen on signing him should he become available. That is ambition speaking. Whether it becomes action depends on results between now and May.

For now, this remains a watching brief. Yet in a rivalry built on history, pride and the occasional act of defiance, even the suggestion of such a move adds spice to an already combustible summer.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

This report will split opinion. On one hand, Mac Allister is exactly the calibre of midfielder United supporters crave. A World Cup winner, technically secure, tactically intelligent, capable of dictating tempo in tight games. United have lacked that composure in high pressure fixtures.

On the other hand, prising him from Liverpool feels fanciful. The rivalry still carries weight. Fans remember how rare direct transfers are. Phil Chisnall remains a historical footnote for a reason.

If United do secure Champions League football, ambition should extend to players of this level. Settling for potential has defined too many recent windows. A signing like Mac Allister would signal intent, authority and belief in a serious rebuild.

Supporters would ask one simple question, does he improve the first eleven immediately. The answer is yes. The harder question is whether Liverpool would ever entertain it. That is where realism tempers excitement.