Manchester United are interested in signing Alexis Mac Allister, but one of his compatriots could give advice on crossing the gap between Liverpool and Old Trafford
Liverpool star Alexis Mac Allister may learn from his compatriot’s example before pursuing a move to Manchester United (Image: CameraSport via Getty Images)
Manchester United are targeting Liverpool’s Alexis Mac Allister in the first direct transfer between clubs in more than 60 years. However, one of his Argentinian compatriots may be able to offer some useful advice on this idea.
It comes after Gabriel Heinze showed remorse for his actions when he offered to leave Old Trafford for Anfield. The retired left-back was nearing his peak when he found himself competing with Patrice Evra for a starting spot in Sir Alex Ferguson’s side.
As a result, Heinze requested a move to rivals Liverpool, who reportedly had his offer of £6.8 million rejected. The last player to go directly between the two arch-rivals was Phil Chisnall in 1964, with Ferguson particularly prominent as a proponent of the unwritten rule that the two should not do business.
Heinze likely doubled because the defender called for such a move. However, speaking about his situation at the time, he did not give the impression that he fully understood the gravity of his actions.
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In 2007, Heinze told the Daily Mail: “My fight is for the freedom to negotiate with any club.” “United didn’t want me to join a big club, but this anti-Liverpool clause is incredible.”
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However, his attitude clearly softened over the years. And the Argentine even admitted he regrets his actions and the circumstances that led to his exit from Old Trafford.
“I don’t have many regrets about my career as a footballer, but that episode with Ferguson must have been one of them,” he said years later when expressing his regrets. “I’m impulsive and strong-willed, which sometimes gets me into trouble, and that’s what happened when I left United.
Gabriel Heinze infuriated Sir Alex Ferguson by demanding a move to Liverpool in 2007 (Image: PA)
“I spent three years in Manchester, there were some great moments and I really regret[leaving the club]. There are a lot of things I regret in recent months, but I’m a strong character and Sir Alex is a strong character. I took this decision and, looking back, I regret it because it meant leaving a great club and its supporters.”
“I was aware of the rivalry[with Liverpool]and I knew the risks of going from Manchester to Liverpool and what it meant. I hope it doesn’t tarnish their (supporters’) view of me and I hope they remember the three years I spent with the team.”
Heinze eventually joined Real Madrid for £8 million in the summer of 2007, spending two years in Spain before moving to Marseille. The South American turned manager himself and is currently the first-team coach under Mikel Arteta at Arsenal.
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If World Cup winner Mac Allister can glean any knowledge from Heinze’s experience, it may be to avoid following moves across the Manchester divide. However, given Liverpool’s poor form this season, that seems unlikely.
United could soon be in the market for a potential midfield player if Bruno Fernandes leaves Old Trafford later this year. Mac Allister, who has developed into a central role or the more advanced No. 10 position, could be the perfect fit from a tactical point of view, but the logistics of sanctioning such a move may still be too great to overcome.
