Manchester United is reportedly preparing a sensational move that could shatter one of the longest-standing unwritten rules in English football.
The Red Devils are exploring a deal for Liverpool midfielder Alexis Mac Allister, a transfer that would represent the first direct piece of business between the two bitter rivals in over six decades.
Manchester United targets a move to sign a Liverpool star.
The rivalry between Manchester United and Liverpool is widely considered the fiercest in the Premier League, making direct transfers nearly impossible.
- The 1964 Curse: The last player to move directly between the two clubs was Phil Chisnall, who joined Liverpool from United in 1964.
- Rare Territory: While stars like Michael Owen and Paul Ince played for both clubs, they always played for other teams in between to avoid the direct backlash of the “North-West Derby” divide.
Why Mac Allister?
According to the Daily Star, Manchester United has placed the 27-year-old Argentine World Cup winner at the top of their summer wishlist.
- The Situation at Anfield: While Mac Allister flourished under Jurgen Klopp, he has reportedly struggled to find his best form this season under Arne Slot.
- Current Stats (2025/26): In 37 appearances across all competitions, he has managed only 3 goals and 4 assists, sparking rumors that he may be looking for a fresh challenge.
Transfer Analysis
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Target Player | Alexis Mac Allister (Age: 27) |
| Current Contract | Until Summer 2028 |
| Estimated Difficulty | Extremely High (Due to Rivalry) |
| United’s Motivation | Midfield leadership and creative overhaul |
The Title Context
The report reminds fans of the deep-seated competition between the two sides. While United dominated the Sir Alex Ferguson era (beating Liverpool to the title in 2008-09), Liverpool ended their 30-year drought in 2020 and claimed the Premier League title again last season.
Selling a key asset like Mac Allister to a direct rival would be seen as a massive risk for Arne Slot’s side, especially given the player’s contract runs until 2028. However, if the player expresses a genuine desire to leave, Manchester United seems ready to test Liverpool’s resolve with a massive formal offer.
