Man Utd cult hero urges controversial move for Liverpool star amid Arne Slot uncertainty

These are interesting times for Manchester United and Liverpool - and one former Red Devils star believes a controversial slant could be imposed on one of the oldest rivalries in English football in the near future.

Looking towards the summer transfer window, United manager Erik Ten Hag may well feel emboldened as he reportedly prepares to put pen-to-paper on a new long-term contract that will all but end any speculation over his future at Old Trafford. The former Ajax manager has enjoyed what could be viewed as a successful introduction into life in the Premier League after winning the Carabao Cup and FA Cup during his first two seasons in England and he will hope to oversee a successful summer transfer window to ensure his side continue to challenge for major honours throughout the rest of his reign.

New Liverpool manager Arne Slot will aim to replicate some of the success his fellow countryman has experienced after he was named as successor to Jurgen Klopp at Anfield. The former Feyenoord manager faces a sizeable task as he looks to build on the successful nine-year reign of his predecessor as the German boss led the Reds to a Champions League Final win, as well as claiming the Premier League title and lifting the Carabao Cup, FA Cup, FIFA World Club Cup and UEFA Super Cup.

Slot is facing a number of key decisions in the transfer market as he looks to put his own stamp on the squad he inherited from Klopp and it remains to be seen how the former Feyenoord head coach will look to refresh his ranks over the coming months. There are several players that have already departed Anfield with Joel Matip and Thiago topping a list of released players and the latter’s departure could well mean England star Trent Alexander-Arnold will be handed an opportunity to shine in midfield.

The Reds academy product has been the source of much discussion in recent weeks after starting in midfield during England’s first two group games at Euro 2024 - although he came off the bench to replace Kieran Tripper during Tuesday night’s dull goalless draw with Slovenia as Gareth Southgate’s side secured top place in the group. It remains to be seen how Alexander-Arnold will function under Slot over the coming season - but former United and Aston Villa striker Dwight Yorke believes his old club should be ready to make a controversial move for the Liverpool star if there is any uncertainty over his future under the new Reds manager.

He told Best Online Poker Sites: “I’m not sure Trent Alexander-Arnold would want to leave Liverpool as it’s his boyhood club, but Liverpool will be under transition now Jurgen Klopp has left. Maybe Alexander-Arnold can evolve as a midfielder under Slot. This could be another opportunity where, if Liverpool don’t perform under Slot and Alexander-Arnold becomes unhappy, Man United should do everything they can to sign him.

“I was the first person to suggest that Man United should have signed Leroy Sane when he started to become frustrated at Man City when he was on the bench frequently. Now, he’s one of the best players in Germany. Alexander-Arnold may have a similar opportunity which Man United should pounce on. Obviously, there is history between the clubs and Alexander-Arnold will know that as an Englishman, but it can be an opportunity to look out for.”

United will get an early sight of Slot’s Liverpool during the new season as the Reds make the short trip to Old Trafford on the final day of August.