Liverpool's Alexis Mac Allister has emerged as an unexpected target for Manchester United but three other midfield stars are also reportedly on the club's radar
Manchester United Head Coach / Manager Michael Carrick reacts at the end of the Premier League match between Arsenal and Manchester United at Emirates Stadium
Manchester United seem to be on the hunt for a new midfield superstar(Image: Getty)
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Manchester United are eyeing up a shock swoop for Liverpool star Alexis Mac Allister. But the club also supposedly have their sights set on three other midfielder targets.
United's midfield has been the topic of transfer speculation for some time. With Casemiro set to depart at this season's end, it seems only a matter of time until they welcome a new face or two in the engine room.
As exclusively revealed by the Mirror, United could seek to poach Mac Allister from rivals Liverpool. The Argentine would be considered untouchable by some but he has failed to replicate the form of previous campaigns this term and will soon turn 28 on a deal that expires in 2028.
Alexis Mac Allister
Mac Allister signed for the Reds in 2023 and last season was undoubtedly his finest in a Liverpool shirt. He was a cornerstone of Arne Slot's Premier League-winning side and was handed PFA Team of the Year honours. But this campaign has painted a different picture.
Liverpool have struggled to defend their crown and Mac Allister has seen his role shift. With the arrival of Florian Wirtz, Mac Allister has dropped to become more of a facilitator and his form has dipped ever so slightly.
Alexis Mac Allister of Liverpool during a UEFA Champions League 2025/26 league phase training session
Mac Allister has been sensationally linked with a move to Old Trafford(Image: Getty)
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But if United were to snap him up, it would be a monumental coup. Mac Allister suits United's current setup to a tee, acting as a deep-lying playmaker who is adept at making line-breaking passes to wide players. The caveat is that any player arriving in the summer may not be guided by current interim boss Michael Carrick.
United are weighing up a bid for him and at 27, he may not break the bank. But convincing Liverpool to part with a key asset to a Premier League rival, a bitter one at that, seems an impossible task, irrespective of how well-suited Mac Allister would be.
Elliot Anderson
Since leaving Newcastle for Nottingham Forest, Elliot Anderson has become one of the top-flight's most sought-after midfielders. He is now a semi-regular England starter and just 23, he has many years at the top ahead of him.
The same report suggests Anderson is on United's agenda and he would bring something quite different to the table than Mac Allister. Where Anderson excels is in recycling possession.
Elliot Anderson of Nottingham Forest applauds the fans as he warms up prior to the Premier League match between West Ham United and Nottingham Forest
Anderson has prospered at Forest(Image: Getty)
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He leads the Premier League in total touches and ball recoveries this season, which is something United will need when Casemiro departs. Not to mention his flexibility as a solid box-to-box player from a deep-lying No. 6.
On top of all of this, he is a homegrown talent. Meeting UEFA's quota should United qualify for Europe is pivotal and Anderson would aid this. His £100m-plus estimated transfer fee could prove a tough hurdle to overcome, though.
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Adam Wharton
Another homegrown option in the middle of the park for United is Crystal Palace's Adam Wharton. Like Anderson, some standout performances have seen him thrust into the England picture.
United have been linked with the 22-year-old for a while and it is obvious to see why. He would provide the perfect balance in midfield when Casemiro departs, with his brilliant defensive positioning and top-ranked interception rate.
Adam Wharton of Crystal Palace during the Premier League match between Crystal Palace and Nottingham Forest at Selhurst Park
The 22-year-old is highly sought after(Image: Getty)
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Wharton can facilitate from a deep role too with a great passing accuracy and tendency to try and pull off risky line-breaking passes. His sitting at the base of United's midfield would also allow Kobbie Mainoo to continue operating in more attacking positions.
The only slight worry with Wharton may be his physicality, as he lacks the presence of someone like Casemiro. But he is versatile, qualifies as a homegrown player and is one of the Premier League's exceptional young talents that would undoubtedly suit the current United system. It appears he would cost anywhere between £70m and £80m.
Carlos Baleba
Brighton's Carlos Baleba was of interest to United last summer but a deal did not materialise. He has not enjoyed the best of seasons but is still firmly within United's considerations.
Unlike both Anderson and Wharton, Baleba is a much more imposing midfielder and it could be said that his preference to carry the ball rather than pass short does not align with United's set-up at the moment.
Carlos Baleba of Brighton & Hove Albion warms up ahead of the Premier League match between Brighton & Hove Albion and Manchester City at Amex Stadium
Baleba has not had the best of campaigns at the Amex Stadium so far(Image: Getty)
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But Baleba would probably give Mainoo the most freedom of any potential midfield partner, even if his tendency to be caught on the ball or to roam goes against Carrick's desire for his holding player to maintain shape.
On the back of a lacklustre season by his standards, perhaps a cut-price deal could be negotiated for Baleba, who despite his lack of tactical fit on paper would no doubt be a shrewd acquisition. Recent reports suggest £60m could be enough to secure his services.
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