Manchester United's hopes of offering Alexis Mac Allister the ideal incentive to join this summer already look spoiled
Alexis Mac Allister of Liverpool during the Premier League match between Fulham and Liverpool at Craven Cottage
Alexis Mac Allister's dream gift on arrival at Manchester United has been spoiled before the move has even got off the ground(Image: Jacques Feeney/Offside/Offside via Getty Images)
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Alexis Mac Allister's chances of landing his dream gift should Manchester United firm up their interest in signing him this summer already appear to be over. United are weighing up whether to try and do business with Liverpool for the first time in more than six decades after signalling their interest in the Argentinian.
However, the move already has one obstacle in its path given Mac Allister's preferred squad number won't be available. That's due to the fact Matheus Cunha currently occupies the No. 10 at Old Trafford and isn't likely to give it up anytime soon.
Mac Allister has only worn the No. 10 since joining the Premier League ranks in 2019. He spent four years impressing for Brighton while wearing the iconic number before taking up the same jersey at Anfield.
Cunha, meanwhile, has made a big impact of his own in Manchester since receiving the No. 10 for United. And the Brazilian may not be so willing to risk upsetting his momentum by donating the digit to a potential summer signing.
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It's understood United sense a potential opening in the market for Mac Allister following a difficult campaign for Liverpool. The World Cup-winner is hardly the only player at Anfield who has struggled to find form this term, though his situation is slightly more precarious than most.
The South American has a contract on Merseyside running until the summer of 2028. And at 27 years old, Liverpool may be hesitant about awarding Mac Allister another long-term deal, meaning an offer from United could make sense from a logistical standpoint.
Alexis Mac Allister of Liverpool celebrates
Mac Allister has been linked with United in what would be a groundbreaking transfer(Image: Ben Roberts - Danehouse/Getty Images)
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Dominik Szoboszlai and Ryan Gravenberch's current deals are also due to expire in 2028. However, Szoboszlai, 25, and Gravenberch, 23, each hold longer shelf lives than their midfield colleague and play in more specialist positions, meaning they may take precedence when it comes to contract negotiations.
There's also Florian Wirtz, who is already one of the highest earners under Arne Slot's command after joining last summer. But even if Mac Allister was available this summer, there's no guarantee Liverpool would be open to doing business with United of all parties.
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While the No. 10 may not be available at United, there may soon be an opening around one of Mac Allister's other preferred squad designations. He previously wore the No.8 during his short spell with Boca Juniors, where he earned his 2019 move to England.
That number currently belongs to none other than United captain Bruno Fernandes at present. However, there are questions marks over how much longer the club's skipper will remain at Old Trafford.
Teams in Saudi Arabia continue to be linked with a summer move for Fernandes. And in the event he did leave United later this year, the offer of the No. 8 may be an alternative sweetener for the potential midfield recruit.
Mac Allister could be the next piece of the puzzle in United regaining their former foothold among United's elite. However, a small sacrifice on the player's part may be required if he's to make a rare jump directly between the two clubs.