Liverpool and Manchester United’s rivalry is one for the ages and that extends to former players as well who have often declined to cross the bridge between the two clubs.
The two northwest giants are enjoying contrasting fortunes this season with Liverpool being the club on the upward trajectory at the moment.
Manchester United have been a declining force since Sir Alex Ferguson left in 2013 but have continued to be an attractive destination for players and managers.
The club conducted an extensive search for a new manager in the summer before deciding to stick with Erik ten Hag, a decision that seems to be haunting them at the moment.
Several managers were spoken to and it has been claimed that Manchester United even tried to rope in Xabi Alonso during their ‘performance review’.
The Spaniard was Liverpool’s top target to replace Jurgen Klopp but he declined an offer to move to Anfield and the Reds snapped up Arne Slot.
Manchester United also tried to convince the former midfielder to move to Old Trafford as their new manager but that attempt failed.
The former Liverpool star snubbed a move to Manchester United
Alonso is considered one of the brightest young managerial talents and the proof of his quality was last season when Bayer Leverkusen lost one game all season – the Europa League final against Atalanta.
It is no surprise that Manchester United’s new hierarchy led by minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe would be interested in taking the Spaniard to Old Trafford.
However, according to the Daily Mail, Alonso declined the approach from Manchester United as he did when Liverpool wanted him.
He is happy at Bayer Leverkusen and was not keen to move on from the club at the end of last season.
The Spaniard could have a bigger job waiting for him as Real Madrid want him to succeed Carlo Ancelotti at the Santiago Bernabeu.
It remains to be seen whether Manchester United make another approach to Alonso given it seems Ten Hag is almost certain to get sacked at some point this season.
