Former Manchester United star Antonio Valencia believes the club should consider a highly controversial move: Signing former Liverpool right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold, who has had a turbulent debut season at Real Madrid.
Alexander-Arnold let his contract with his childhood club Liverpool expire, before moving to Madrid for just €10 million – ahead of last year’s Club World Cup. The decision provoked strong reactions among Liverpool supporters, who felt that Alexander-Arnold had kept the club for months and prioritized individual goals over his roots.
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He left Anfield with the dream of winning the Ballon d’Or in Madrid, but the start in the Spanish capital was tough. A series of poor performances led to him being benched early in the season, and he also missed 21 games due to injury.
Once he was match-ready, his influence in Madrid increased throughout the season. Nevertheless, he was passed over for the World Cup by England boss Thomas Tuchel – twice.
Despite the adversity, Alexander-Arnold remains one of the world’s best right-backs, with a skill set few others can match. Former Liverpool boss Jürgen Klopp has repeatedly referred to him as a “world-class player”.
Valencia: “Just what United need”
Valencia believe United should start talks with the 27-year-old – despite his strong connection to one of the club’s biggest rivals.
“Trent is a player I like very much,” Valencia told Metro.
“He has a very good right foot, makes good crosses and is a player who defends well. He would be very good for Manchester United. He knows the Premier League. He knows what it means to win the Champions League and the Premier League. He’s a passionate player and I’d love to see him at Manchester United.
“Hopefully it can happen, because we need players like him at Old Trafford. To play in that stadium, you need people with a lot of personality. Manchester always have to renew their squad, and this is a team we hope can have a good Premier League season – and win it.
Transfer to United would be shocking
“When it comes to the right-back position, I just hope that whoever comes in can be the best possible option. And of course I hope that Diogo Dalot doesn’t disappear,” Valencia added.
It will be interesting to see how returning Madrid boss José Mourinho handles Alexander-Arnold. The full-back is excellent in offensive areas and has an excellent eye for the game – but can occasionally be exposed in defence.
Even if Mourinho were to choose to put Alexander-Arnold on the transfer list, it would be a huge shock if United started talks with him.
Meanwhile, United’s pursuit of Madrid midfielder Aurélien Tchouaméni has been given a double boost.
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