A former Manchester United player has suggested that the club should consider a move for Trent Alexander-Arnold, despite the intense rivalry with his former club, Liverpool. This comes as Alexander-Arnold’s position at Real Madrid is reportedly under scrutiny following an inconsistent start to his time in Spain.
Wes Brown, who made 362 appearances for United over a 14-year period, believes that a potential transfer for Alexander-Arnold should not be dismissed if the opportunity arises. Brown highlighted that Alexander-Arnold’s playing style could align well with how manager Michael Carrick aims for his team to attack.
Alexander-Arnold’s situation at Real Madrid
Alexander-Arnold concluded his two-decade association with Liverpool last summer, moving to Real Madrid on a free transfer. His departure reportedly generated a strong reaction from some Anfield supporters. Upon his arrival in the Spanish capital, he was met with considerable acclaim, having secured every major trophy available during his tenure on Merseyside.
However, Alexander-Arnold’s prospects at the Bernabeu are now being questioned due to an inconsistent beginning to his time in Spain. Last season, he started only 14 league fixtures. This limited playing time is said to have contributed to his exclusion from Thomas Tuchel’s squad for the current World Cup in North America.
The departure of long-serving captain Dani Carvajal earlier this summer appeared to open a path for Alexander-Arnold to become the primary right-back. Nevertheless, the return of manager Jose Mourinho and the anticipated signing of Inter Milan wing-back Denzel Dumfries could complicate his situation further, potentially pushing him down the team’s hierarchy.
Breaking a long-standing transfer precedent
A move for Alexander-Arnold to Manchester United would be considered one of the most contentious transfers in modern English football due to the fierce rivalry between the two clubs. No player has transferred directly between Liverpool and United since Phil Chisnall made the switch from Old Trafford to Anfield in 1964.
Michael Owen is the most recent player to have represented both clubs, having signed for United 17 years ago. Despite the historical context, Brown, who is 46, suggested that United would be ill-advised not to explore a potential transfer for Alexander-Arnold if the chance were to present itself.
Brown acknowledged that such a transfer would be improbable, but he referenced other notable moves in football history to illustrate that nothing can be entirely ruled out. He mentioned Luis Figo’s transfer from Barcelona to Real Madrid and Michael Owen’s time at United as examples of unexpected moves.
Brown also noted that Alexander-Arnold does not appear to be fully enjoying his time at Real Madrid. He stated that Alexander-Arnold would be a valuable addition to any Premier League team, asking, "Who wouldn’t have Trent in their team?" He also commented on the likely reaction from Liverpool fans, stating they "definitely wouldn’t be happy!" if such a move were to occur.
The possibility of Alexander-Arnold returning to the Premier League with United remains a subject of speculation, particularly given the historical transfer dynamics between the two prominent clubs.
Potential impact on United’s strategy
Brown’s comments suggest that Alexander-Arnold’s offensive capabilities could significantly benefit Michael Carrick’s tactical approach. The former United stalwart believes that Alexander-Arnold’s skill set aligns with the club’s desire to attack teams effectively.
The discussion around Alexander-Arnold’s future at Real Madrid continues, with his limited league appearances last season and the potential arrival of another wing-back creating uncertainty. His exclusion from the current World Cup squad further highlights the challenges he has faced.
While a direct transfer between Liverpool and Manchester United has been rare, the suggestion from a former club legend indicates a willingness to consider unconventional moves for players who could enhance the squad. The last player to play for both sides was Michael Owen, who arrived at Old Trafford in 2009.
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Source: manchestereveningnews.co.uk
Lucy Ashby is a Sports Reporter at NewsGB. She reported on the county circuit and Team GB. She focuses on tennis, cricket and athletics and is known for clear, deadline-driven reporting. She holds a degree in Sport and Media from Durham University and completed an NCTJ diploma. Now based in Durham, she plays club cricket and follows distance running. “The best sport reporting starts by listening.”
