Targeting a Liverpool star would be a step backward for Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s “New Era” at Old Trafford.
Manchester United’s mission to revamp their midfield ahead of the 2026/27 season is well underway, but the latest name linked with a move to Old Trafford has left supporters stunned. While the club has looked at the likes of Carlos Baleba and Adam Wharton, reports suggesting an approach for Liverpool’s Alexis Mac Allister have raised serious red flags.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe once famously labeled United’s past spending as “dumb money.” Pursuing Mac Allister would risk falling back into that trap for two undeniable reasons:
1. The “Forbidden” Crossing of the Divide
Not since Phil Chisnall in 1964 has a player moved directly between these two bitter rivals. Sir Alex Ferguson famously blocked Gabriel Heinze from making a similar switch, noting there was “no ambiguity” regarding the historical embargo between the clubs.
Should the 27-year-old Argentine fail to hit the ground running, he would face unprecedented pressure from a fanbase that traditionally rejects any association with Anfield.
2. The “United Tax” and Overpaying
Liverpool are almost certain to inflate the asking price for a player contracted until 2028 simply because the buyer is Manchester United.
| Potential Target | Estimated Cost | Risk Level |
| Alexis Mac Allister | High (Rival Premium) | Critical (History & Form) |
| Carlos Baleba | £100m | High (Financial) |
| Adam Wharton | Significant | Medium (Development) |
Recruitment Strategy
While Mac Allister was a standout at Brighton, his “indifferent form” this season suggests United would be paying over the odds for a player past his peak impact. For INEOS to truly move away from the “dumb money” era, they must focus on targets where they aren’t forced to pay a “rivalry premium” for a controversial signing.
Thiago Nuno is a football editor and analyst covering European leagues, match statistics, and transfer market trends.
