Trent Alexander-Arnold has been linked with a move to Manchester United in a reported swap deal involving Diogo Dalot, but Michael Carrick is said to want to keep the Portugal international
13:24, 27 Jun 2026
Trent Alexander-Arnold endured a tough first season at Real Madrid
Trent Alexander-Arnold endured a tough first season at Real Madrid(Image: Getty Images)
Manchester United's pursuit of Trent Alexander-Arnold may hinge on whether one of their own players heads to Real Madrid.
While Jose Mourinho might welcome such a transfer, United boss Michael Carrick could be less enthusiastic as he seeks to build on his early success. The former Liverpool star, 27, endured a difficult debut season at the Bernabeu, facing criticism from the Spanish press.
Injuries hampered Alexander-Arnold's progress during the opening months before he found his footing in the starting line-up, finishing his first campaign with five assists across 30 appearances. And Mourinho's return to Madrid adds further intrigue to the situation.
The Portuguese manager has yet to work with Alexander-Arnold and has already suggested changes are imminent, with reports linking Inter Milan's Denzel Dumfries with a move to the Spanish capital.
Meanwhile, Diogo Dalot has emerged as another potential Mourinho target and could feature in a potential exchange arrangement. Several Old Trafford legends have publicly backed the idea of Alexander-Arnold switching to United, fuelling speculation about a return to English soccer.
In an interview with Hajper, Antonio Valencia became the latest to endorse the possibility of Alexander-Arnold making the controversial switch: "Trent is a player I like a lot. He has a very good right foot, he crosses well, and he is a player who defends well.
Michael Carrick may be reluctant to part with Diogo Dalot
Michael Carrick may be reluctant to part with Diogo Dalot(Image: Getty Images)
"He would be very good for Manchester United. He knows the Premier League. He knows what it means to win the Champions League and the Premier League. He is a passionate player, and I would like to see him at Manchester United."
A possible exchange involving Dalot appears unlikely after reports emerged that Carrick is keen to retain the Portugal international. Mourinho previously brought his fellow countryman to Old Trafford and has been touted for a potential reunion at Real.
Dalot, 27, may not have developed into the commanding right-back many United supporters envisaged, but he remains valuable due to his versatility across both full-back roles. The defender arrived from Porto in 2018 and could reach a decade at United should he fulfill his contract through 2028, which includes an option for an additional year.
When securing his compatriot's move to England, Mourinho heaped praise on Dalot, declaring at the time: "In his age group, he is the best full-back in Europe."
It's unusual for ex-United or Liverpool players to represent their fierce rivals. No senior player has moved directly between the clubs since Phil Chisnall in 1964, and it's equally rare for players to feature for both sides, even if they don't make a direct switch.
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This presents an additional obstacle as to why Alexander-Arnold might be reluctant to such a transfer. Many Liverpool supporters were already frustrated by Alexander-Arnold allowing his Anfield contract to expire before last year's move, and he may wish to preserve what goodwill remains amongst fans in his home city.
Carrick utilized Amad Diallo as a wing-back for parts of last season, with Noussair Mazraoui also featuring in that rotation when available. Nevertheless, there is a feeling that United could benefit from a more outstanding addition in that role.
Alexander-Arnold might well be that player, while Dalot could serve as a valuable bargaining chip in any prospective deal. However, the complexities of executing such a contentious transfer this summer seem too significant for United to navigate.