Man Utd Circle Liverpool's Mac Allister as Slot's Side Considers Summer Exit

Manchester United have emerged as surprise suitors for Liverpool's Alexis Mac Allister, with the Old Trafford hierarchy keeping a close eye on developments surrounding the Argentina international's future.

The Merseyside outfit have endured a difficult season by their standards, sitting sixth in the Premier League after claiming the title last year. Arne Slot's rebuild has so far failed to replicate the form that saw the club crowned champions, despite a significant summer investment exceeding £400m in reinforcements including Alexander Isak, Florian Wirtz, and Hugo Ekitike.

Mac Allister, who earned PFA Team of the Year recognition last season, has been among the notable underperformers this term. Reports suggest Liverpool will undertake a comprehensive assessment of his campaign once the season concludes, with the possibility of a sale emerging as a potential outcome of that review.

While Real Madrid have previously been linked with the midfielder, the Daily Mirror indicates United are actively considering a raid on their fierce rivals. However, the Red Devils face significant hurdles: landing Mac Allister would represent a monumental undertaking, and Champions League qualification appears a prerequisite for any deal to materialise. Whether the 26-year-old would even entertain a switch to Anfield's bitter enemies remains equally uncertain.

Former Liverpool winger Jermaine Pennant has added fuel to the narrative surrounding Mac Allister's form, singling him out for criticism following Manchester City's 2-1 victory at Anfield earlier this month.

Speaking to talkSPORT, Pennant acknowledged Mac Allister's previous quality while expressing frustration at his recent displays. "You've been a great player for Liverpool, you are a great player, you were in the Team of the Season," Pennant said. "But after your injury in pre-season, you've come back a shadow of what you are; it seems like your legs have gone."

Pennant highlighted Mac Allister's anonymity during the City clash, describing him as "literally a bystander" who failed to impose himself on proceedings. Yet the pundit suggested a fresh start elsewhere might prove beneficial for the midfielder.

"Sometimes it could be as simple as that," Pennant reflected. "You need to rest and you need your mind to rest and reset and then you come back the player that you were."

The demands of playing for Liverpool, particularly during a challenging campaign, can exact a psychological toll alongside the physical one, according to Pennant's assessment. Criticism from supporters and media inevitably accumulates, creating internal conflict that can undermine confidence and performance. A change of scenery, he suggested, might provide the mental respite Mac Allister requires to rediscover his best form.