Under interim manager Michael Carrick, Manchester United have shown signs of revival, collecting four wins and one draw from his first five matches in charge.
While a 1-1 draw away to West Ham last time out, sealed by a late Benjamin Sesko equalizer, may have felt frustrating in isolation, the broader picture has been encouraging.
United have climbed to fourth in the Premier League with 45 points, positioning themselves firmly in the race for Champions League qualification.
Now sitting ahead of Chelsea and Liverpool in fifth and sixth, respectively, the turnaround marks a notable improvement following Ruben Amorim’s turbulent spell, which ended in early January.
With no additions made during the winter transfer window, attention has already shifted towards the summer, and one surprising name has emerged as a potential target.
Manchester United Linked With Shock Move for Liverpool Star
According to the Daily Mirror’s Jeremy Cross, Manchester United are monitoring Liverpool midfielder Alexis Mac Allister as they evaluate midfield reinforcements ahead of the summer window.
“Manchester United are weighing up a shock raid on bitter rivals Liverpool for Alexis Mac Allister,” Cross wrote. “United are in the process of drawing up a list of potential midfield targets the club will attempt to sign in the summer transfer window.”
“And it’s understood Old Trafford bosses are keeping close tabs on the future of World Cup winner Mac Allister. Speculation is mounting that the Argentine superstar could leave Liverpool this summer.”
While the report suggests growing interest, the feasibility of such a move remains uncertain. Transfers between fierce rivals are rare, and Liverpool would likely be reluctant to strengthen a direct competitor.
Should Mac Allister become available, he would almost certainly attract widespread interest across Europe, giving Liverpool alternative options rather than negotiating with Manchester United.
United Exploring Multiple Midfield Options
Mac Allister joined Liverpool in 2023 in a £55 million deal (approx. $75M) and played a key role in their Premier League title triumph last season.
The Argentine international remains under contract until 2028, though both he and Liverpool have endured a challenging campaign.
Despite heavy investment, including $600 million-plus spent last summer and more than $325 million committed to Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak, Liverpool have struggled for consistency and currently sit sixth in the table.
If a move for Mac Allister proves unrealistic, Cross reports that United have also “expressed interest in” other midfield options, including Adam Wharton, Carlos Baleba, and Elliot Anderson.
Before finalizing any transfer plans, however, United must first resolve their managerial situation. Carrick’s impressive interim run has strengthened his case for the permanent role, but the club continues to evaluate alternatives.
Thomas Tuchel and Carlo Ancelotti have both been ruled out after committing to England and Brazil, respectively, while Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner, Gareth Southgate, and Julian Nagelsmann are among the leading candidates, according to Oddschecker.
With momentum returning on the pitch and key decisions looming off it, Manchester United appear to be laying the groundwork for a pivotal summer that could shape the club’s next chapter.
Manchester United Eye Ambitious Swoop for $75 Million Midfield Star