Last week’s talk around Alexis Mac Allister had Liverpool and Manchester United fans puzzled in equal measure.
The two clubs haven’t done a direct deal since the early 1960s, and it felt unlikely that the pattern would suddenly change this summer.
That said, if Liverpool decide to part ways with the Argentine midfielder, there would be plenty of interest from other clubs. Manchester United are unlikely to be among them. It was a reminder of how rare moves between the two clubs are.
Dean Jones has now followed up on those links, saying sources at both clubs doubt this one is happening. “I was told by someone close to one side of it that they wouldn’t put money on it,” Jones said.
There’s nothing shocking about Dean Jones’ update on Mac Allister
It’s easy to see why United would be keen on Mac Allister. The midfield hasn’t looked up to scratch, and Casemiro’s time appears to be winding down.
But targeting a player from Liverpool was never going to be the right move.
Jones explained to TEAMtalk that people around United aren’t taking the links seriously, with the story seemingly appearing out of nowhere.
The rivalry between Liverpool and Man United is arguably the fiercest in England, with deep-rooted animosity still present between the two clubs.
If Jim Ratcliffe truly expected a different response, it highlights just how disconnected he might be from what fans actually think—and this wouldn’t be the first sign of that.
Alexis Mac Allister belongs in a Champions League side
With the battle for a top-five finish picking up, every point feels crucial now. Manchester United’s win over Everton gave them a bit of breathing room over Liverpool and Chelsea, but there’s still a long way to go.
Until Michael Carrick gets United over the line, they’re not back in the Champions League picture just yet.
If Mac Allister does move on, it’s going to be one of Europe’s top clubs coming in for him. At 27, he’s still got several good years ahead and would fit nicely into any elite squad.
Whether he actually leaves could come down to how he finishes this season. Personally, I’d rather see him stay, but I do think the club needs to add a top-level defensive midfielder.
If we can do that without losing Mac Allister, even better.
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