A shock transfer rumour regarding Manchester United considering moving for Liverpool midfielder Alexis Mac Allister has emerged. The Daily Star claims that the higher-ups are “monitoring closely the situation surrounding” the Argentine.
It’s extremely rare for the two Premier League rivals to do business with one another. United are expected to strengthen their midfield this summer when Casemiro departs in June.
Mac Allister’s future is uncertain despite his contract not expiring until 2028. A difficult season for the 27-year-old has cast doubts over his future with the Merseysiders beyond this summer.
Silly season
Manchester United were eyeing Mac Allister before he joined Liverpool from Brighton & Hove Albion. He cost just £35m because a release clause in his contract was triggered.
Fabrizio Romano caught wind of the rumor regarding the Red Devils plotting a move for the 2022 World Cup winner. The Italian journalist gave a clear response on his YouTube channel:
“At the moment, I’m not aware of anything concrete of strong in terms of links between Manchester United and Mac Allister. Man United will be busy in the summer. Man United will be really busy with that position – could be one, could be two midfielders.”
Romano pointed out that the club have decisions to make before drawing up their shortlist of midfield targets:
“It could be really interesting, but before they decide who they want, there are two main points to clarify: whether they play in the Champions League next season, which will influence their budget, and who will be the manager – Michael Carrick or other candidates.”
He added:
“Man United will not decide in February. Among the names, there’s Elliot Anderson, Carlos Baleba, who was a top target under [Ruben] Amorim, Sandro Tonali, and others. At the moment with Alexis Mac Allister, there is nothing really advanced, concrete or starting in terms of conversations.”
It should come as no surprise to hear that Manchester United’s links to Mac Allister aren’t concrete. Not only would making a move for a Liverpool player be a hugely controversial decision but he has failed to convince this season.
Mac Allister has made 37 appearances across competitions this season, posting three goals and four assists. He was crucial for Arne Slot in his side’s 2024-25 Premier League title-winning campaign.
Manchester United midfield reboot
When the summer transfer window opens it’s clear that the club’s transfer chiefs will be focusing on addressing midfield. Casemiro is departing and Manuel Ugarte has dissapointed since arriving from Paris Saint-Germain in the summer of 2024.
A Casemiro replacement is crucial and Brighton’s Carlos Baleba is the top candidate. Manchester United approached the Seagulls over a possible deal for the Cameroonian last summer.
David Ornstein reported that United were informed that Baleba was not for sale. The recruitment team decided to hold fire on pursuing the 22-year-old and are expected to return this summer.
Baleba isn’t the only option the Manchester United have in mind. Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson is another Premier League midfielder on the club’s wishlist.
Elliot has enjoyed a superb season at Forest and is likely to be on the move amid growing interest. TEAMtalk reports that Manchester City are also eyeing the 23-year-old and have made contact with the player’s camp.
Matthew Guyett is an experienced sports journalist who has over five years of covering European football and the Premier League. He has covered Manchester United as The Red Devil Armada's Site Expert and for GiveMeSport.
