Wes Brown says Trent Alexander-Arnold move to Man Utd 'not out of the question' amid Real Madrid struggles

Wes Brown has said Manchester United should not dismiss the idea of signing Trent Alexander-Arnold, with the former Liverpool right-back’s future at Real Madrid already under scrutiny after a difficult debut season in Spain.

Alexander-Arnold, 27, left Liverpool on a free transfer last summer after two decades at the club, joining Real Madrid to considerable fanfare. But he started just 14 La Liga matches in his first season at the Bernabeu, and that lack of regular football contributed to his omission from Thomas Tuchel’s England squad for the ongoing World Cup in North America.

The departure of long-serving captain Dani Carvajal had appeared to open the door for Alexander-Arnold to claim the right-back berth as his own. However, the return of Jose Mourinho as manager and the anticipated arrival of Inter Milan wing-back Denzel Dumfries threaten to push him further down the pecking order.

Brown, who made 362 appearances for United across a 14-year spell at Old Trafford, believes the club would be wrong to ignore the possibility if the opportunity arose.

“Manchester United would be a very good move for Trent Alexander-Arnold,” Brown said. “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 acknowledged the transfer would be one of the most contentious in modern English football. No player has moved directly between Liverpool and United since Phil Chisnall swapped Old Trafford for Anfield in 1964, and striker Michael Owen remains the most recent player to have represented both clubs.

“I’m not sure he would be keen on United — Liverpool fans definitely wouldn’t be happy,” Brown added. “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, you never know.”

Alexander-Arnold’s struggles in Spain have already drawn widespread attention, and with his place in the England setup also at risk, the coming months are likely to prove decisive for the former Liverpool captain.