According to the MEN, United is closely monitoring Mac Allister in case he becomes available in the summer. The Red Devils are compiling a list of potential targets for the midfield, despite it currently being unclear who will be on the bench, given that Michael Carrick is the interim coach at the moment.

The 27-year-old Argentine international has a contract with the Anfield club until 2028, but has been going through a difficult season after suffering a serious groin injury last season.

Getting Mac Allister to leave the Merseyside club would be a significant challenge; some players have played for both clubs throughout their careers, such as Paul Ince and Michael Owen, but no player has switched clubs since 1964, when Paul Chisnall signed for Liverpool from Manchester United.

That was 62 years ago, so Mac Allister would be something of a pioneer if he decided to make the move. United is also said to be interested in Brighton's Carlos Baleba, Crystal Palace's Adam Wharton, and Nottingham Forest's Elliot Anderson.

Mac Allister remains key to Arne Slot's team, with 21 starts this season, but his performance has dropped considerably, scoring no goals and registering two assists in a season that has been characterized mainly by disappointment.

However, earlier this month, the midfielder insisted that the team's form is improving, stating on the club's website: "We feel that we are in a good moment, much better than at the beginning of the season. We are improving as a team, which is the most important thing, and now we are looking forward to this incredible match.

The coach had a very good meeting in which he said we had to improve in both areas. That's what we wanted and I think we have shown that in the last two matches.

But we were more aggressive, we pressed a little bit more. That's what we want and what we want to achieve and maintain consistently. I think it's going to be key.

We have many injured players, so it's not that easy, but we are managing it. I think we are all happy with our last two performances.

We played against two teams that were a bit more aggressive and tried to build from the back, which is perhaps better for us. We are in a good moment, but we have to keep working and improving."

Mac Allister has also been impressed by the impact of Hugo Ekitike and Florian Wirtz following their respective arrivals in the summer.

He added: "I think they complement each other very well. They both have great talent and I think everyone can see their quality.

You can tell they love playing one-twos and that kind of thing, which is very good because they can generate goals and assists in an instant.

So I'm very happy for them. I think they are showing how good they are. But, as I said, I think as a team we still have to improve, and that's what we want."

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