Former Manchester United defender Wes Brown has suggested that a shock move to bring Trent Alexander-Arnold to Old Trafford cannot be dismissed. He also claimed the 27-year-old is not enjoying himself at Real Madrid.
Alexander-Arnold's Difficult Start in Spain
The ex-Liverpool right-back severed his two-decade-long ties with his childhood club last summer, joining Real Madrid on a free transfer. The move provoked a fierce backlash from sections of the Anfield faithful. He touched down in the Spanish capital amid considerable excitement, having claimed every major honour on offer during a distinguished spell as a Red.
However, Alexander-Arnold is already being called into question following an inconsistent start to life in Spain. The England international started just 14 league matches last season, with his lack of regular football contributing to his exclusion from Thomas Tuchel's squad for the ongoing World Cup in North America.
Competition for Places Intensifies
The departure of long-serving captain Dani Carvajal earlier this summer had appeared to open the door for Alexander-Arnold to cement his place as first-choice right-back. However, the return of legendary manager Jose Mourinho and the anticipated signing of Inter Milan wing-back Denzel Dumfries look set to complicate the picture, potentially pushing him further down the pecking order as he continues this torrid spell.
A Controversial Return to the Premier League
Any return to the Premier League with United would rank among the most contentious transfers in modern English football, given the fierce rivalry between the two clubs. No player has moved directly between Liverpool and United since Phil Chisnall made the switch from Old Trafford to Anfield in 1964, while striker Michael Owen remains the most recent player to have played for both.
However, Brown, 46, believes United would be unwise not to explore a potential move should the chance arise, as he says the defender is clearly not enjoying himself.
"Manchester United would be a very good move for Trent Alexander-Arnold," Brown told Compare.bet. "What a player. He would really help how Michael Carrick wants to attack teams. I think it is clear he is not really enjoying himself at Real Madrid. He would be a great player to have, and I think anyone in the Premier League would want to sign him. Who wouldn't have Trent in their team?"
Brown: 'Nothing is Out of the Question'
Brown, who amassed 362 appearances for United, acknowledged such a transfer would be improbable – but referenced some of football's most notorious moves as proof that nothing can be entirely dismissed.
"I'm not sure he would be keen on United – Liverpool fans definitely wouldn't be happy!" he said. "But it's not out of the question. Luis Figo left Barcelona for Real Madrid. Michael Owen played for United. If he doesn't see his future at Real Madrid, we'll have to wait and see."
