Manchester United are weighing up interest in Liverpool midfielder Alexis Mac Allister but have already been presented an obstacle to the move
Alexis Mac Allister of Liverpool reacts during the Emirates FA Cup Fourth Round match between Liverpool and Brighton & Hove Albion
Alexis Mac Allister's dream Manchester United arrival already has a hitch in the plan(Image: Lewis Storey, Getty Images)
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Alexis Mac Allister's hopes of securing his ideal shirt number at Manchester United appear doomed from the outset. United are understood to be [considering a move for the Liverpool star](http://Man Utd's dream transfer gift to Alexis Mac Allister spoiled after bombshell) in what could be the first direct deal between the two clubs since 1964.
Yet the potential switch already faces one significant hurdle, as Mac Allister's favoured squad number remains unavailable. This is because Matheus Cunha currently wears the No. 10 at Old Trafford and seems unlikely to relinquish it in the near future.
Mac Allister has exclusively donned the No. 10 since arriving in the Premier League in 2019. He spent four seasons excelling for Brighton whilst sporting the legendary number before adopting the same shirt at Anfield.
Cunha, for his part, has delivered impressive performances in Manchester since being handed his own No. 10 for United following his £62.5m move from Premier League rivals Wolverhampton Wanderers last summer. And the Brazilian may prove reluctant to jeopardise his current form by surrendering the digit to a prospective summer arrival.
It's believed United detect a possible opportunity in the market for Mac Allister following a challenging season for Liverpool. The World Cup winner is far from the only player at Anfield who has failed to discover consistently this campaign, although his circumstances are marginally more delicate than others.
The South American has a contract until the summer of 2028. And at 27 years of age, Liverpool might be reluctant about granting Mac Allister another long-term deal, suggesting an approach from United could bear fruit from a practical perspective.
Alexis Mac Allister of Liverpool during the Premier League match between Fulham and Liverpool at Craven Cottage
Mac Allister's favoured No. 10 is already taken at Old Trafford(Image: Jacques Feeney/Offside/Offside via Getty Images)
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Dominik Szoboszlai and Ryan Gravenberch's present deals are also scheduled to conclude in 2028. Nevertheless, Szoboszlai, 25, and Gravenberch, 23, each have more long-term potential than their midfield partner and operate in more specialised roles, suggesting they might be prioritised in contract discussions.
There's also Florian Wirtz, who already ranks among the top earners in Arne Slot's squad following his arrival last summer. Yet even if Mac Allister became available this summer, there's no certainty Liverpool would entertain negotiations with United of all clubs.
While the No. 10 might be unavailable at United, an opportunity could emerge concerning one of Mac Allister's alternative favoured shirt numbers. He previously sported the No. 8 during his brief stint with Boca Juniors.
That designation currently belongs to none other than United captain Bruno Fernandes at present. Signed for £47m from Sporting in 2020, there is uncertainty around how much longer the club's skipper will stay at Old Trafford.
Matheus Cunha of Manchester Utd celebrates with Bryan Mbeumo after he scored for 2-0 during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Fulham at Old Trafford
Matheus Cunha has dazzled as United's new No. 10 thus far(Image: Shaun Brooks - CameraSport via Getty Images)
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Saudi clubs remain linked with a summer transfer for Fernandes. Should he depart United later this year, the prospect of inheriting the No. 8 shirt could serve as an additional incentive for the prospective midfield signing, however should he remain at the club it would prevent Mac Allister from being able to use either of his two preferred shirt numbers.
Mac Allister might represent the next component in United reclaiming their previous standing among Europe's elite. Nevertheless, a minor compromise from the player could be necessary if he's to complete a rare direct move between the two Premier League powerhouses.