Argentine star voiced 'regret' after trying to cross Liverpool-Man Utd divide

Manchester United is targeting Liverpool's Alexis Mac Allister in what could be the first direct transfer between the rivals in over 60 years, but Gabriel Heinze's regret offers a cautionary tale

Gabriel Heinze was once interested in leaving Manchester United for Liverpool(Image: Getty Images)

Manchester United is pursuing Liverpool's Alexis Mac Allister in what would become the first direct transfer between the clubs in over 60 years.

However, one of his Argentinian compatriots may be able to provide some valuable insight on the proposition. That's because Gabriel Heinze expressed regret over his behavior when he requested to depart Old Trafford for Anfield.

The now-retired left-back was approaching the pinnacle of his career, but he found himself competing with Patrice Evra for a starting berth in Sir Alex Ferguson's squad. Consequently, Heinze pushed for a switch to bitter rivals Liverpool; the Reds allegedly saw an offer turned down for the star.

The last player to transfer directly between the two adversaries was Phil Chisnall in 1964, and Ferguson was a particularly vocal advocate of the unwritten rule that the pair shouldn't engage in business.

That likely applied doubly in Heinze's situation after the defender insisted on such a transfer. Speaking about his circumstances at the time, however, he didn't appear to fully comprehend the seriousness of his actions.

"My fight is for the freedom to negotiate with any club," Heinze told the Daily Mail in 2007. "United never wanted me to leave for one of the big clubs, but this anti-Liverpool clause is incredible."

Alexis Mac Allister is being linked with Manchester United(Image: Getty Images)

However, his position evidently mellowed with time. The Argentine subsequently acknowledged he regretted his conduct and the manner in which his Old Trafford departure unfolded.

"I don't have many regrets from my career as a footballer, but that episode with Ferguson [has] to be one of them," he reflected years later while expressing his remorse. "I'm impulsive and strong-willed, and this has got me into trouble at times, which was the case when I left United.

"I spent three years in Manchester and had some great moments and I regret [leaving the club] a lot. There are a lot of things I regret from the last months, but I am a strong personality, Sir Alex is a strong personality. I took the decision and, looking back, I regret it because it meant leaving a great club and their supporters.

"I was aware of the rivalry [with Liverpool], I knew the risk of going from Manchester to Liverpool and what it means. I hope it doesn't tarnish the way they [the supporters] see me and they will remember the three years I had in the team."

Ultimately, Heinze joined Real Madrid in the summer of 2007, spending two seasons in Spain before transferring to Marseille. The South American has transitioned into coaching and currently serves as a first-team coach under Mikel Arteta at Arsenal.

If World Cup-winner Mac Allister can draw any lessons from Heinze's experience, it may be to avoid pursuing a transfer across the Manchester divide. However, that seems improbable even amid Liverpool's downturn in form this season.

United may soon seek a high-profile midfield acquisition if Bruno Fernandes departs Old Trafford later this year.

Mac Allister, who has flourished in a central role or in a more attacking No. 10 position, could be the ideal solution from a tactical perspective, though the practicalities of sanctioning such a transfer could still prove too challenging to surmount.