Alexis Mac Alllister was this week linked with becoming the first player in more than 60 years to cross the divide between Liverpool and Manchester United.
United are on the lookout for midfield reinforcements in the summer transfer window, particularly with Casemiro set to leave the club upon the expiration of his contract at Old Trafford.
And Mac Allister emerged as a shock candidate this week, despite the fact no player has transferred directly between the two clubs since 1964 - it is just not done in the modern era.
Why Alexis Mac Allister Is Being Linked With A Transfer
Alexis Mac Allister celebrates scoring for Liverpool in the Merseyside Derby
A number of players have played for both clubs - Michael Owen and Paul Ince chief among them - but there has not been direct transfer dealings for 62 years.
Mac Allister has struggled to live up to the standard he set in the previous Premier League title-winning campaign - like most of the Liverpool players this season to be fair - nor in his first campaign with the Reds in 2023/24, during which time then boss Jurgen Klopp said: "How can you not love a player like him? Or a boy like him? He’s incredible.
“He’s educated in the best possible way. He’s really polite, confident, funny, smart – and an incredible footballer. Oh my God!"
The rumours around Mac Allister's future have surfaced due to him having just over two years left to run on his current contract at Anfield, with no talks over an offer of a new deal as yet.
Alexis Mac Allister Waits On Liverpool Talks
alexis mac allister
While it seems highly unlikely that he would make the move to United - it would tarnish his reputation with the Liverpool supporters - there are sure to be more links with other clubs the longer it goes on without a contract renewal.
His father, Carlos, has been asked about the Manchester United rumours and delivered a pragmatic response: "He is only thinking about Liverpool."
Mac Allister's dad did go on to hint at concerns over his son's future though. He added: "We are waiting for an offer to renew his contract. We will see what the club's plan is. We'll wait and see what happens with the renewal. That's all."
Alexis Mac Allilster's Best Qualities Analysed
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We asked ChatGPT to tell us what Mac Allilster's best qualities are and what he would bring to Manchester United.
Game intelligence / vision - He reads the game very well
Excellent passing and distribution - He’s known for his high passing accuracy and ability to dictate the tempo of play
Technical proficiency and ball control
Versatility across midfield roles - He can operate as a deeper playmaker, a box-to-box midfielder, or in more advanced creative positions
Work rate and tenacity - He combines technical calm with tenacity without the ball
Stamina and consistency
Creativity and attacking influence - He not only provides assists and smart final-third passes but also times late runs into the box to score goals
Leadership and composure in big moments
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