Liverpool and Manchester United Fight Over American Star

He could be the key to solving a defensive crisis for both Premier League giants
Colombia v United States
Colombia v United States / Brad Smith/ISI Photos/USSF/GettyImages
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Fulham might not be in the race for the Premier League title, but it sure looks like Antonee Robinson has become the most wanted man for two of England’s biggest powerhouses: Liverpool and Manchester United. Both teams have their reasons, and whoever wins this battle could end up with a real gem on their hands.

Antonee Robinson, now 27, has had his fair share of ups and downs. From his early days at Everton to solidifying his place at Fulham, this USMNT fullback has shown he’s more than just a wild card. But is it really worth joining Liverpool only to be the backup plan?

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Liverpool already has a defense that’s practically carved in stone, with Robertson locking down that left-back spot. If Robinson joins, he’ll mostly be covering for the Scotsman, who, let’s be real, still has plenty left in the tank for the next few years. So, for the American, this means less time on the field and more time warming the bench. For a guy who’s a regular starter at both Fulham and for the USMNT, that’s probably not the dream scenario.

But here’s the flip side. Robinson isn’t naive. Playing for a team like Liverpool, where they’re gunning for trophies on every front, is a major draw. Being in a club where every match matters, where one slip-up can cost a title—that's the kind of pressure a player hungry for greatness craves.

Still, there’s a risk. Getting lost in a star-studded squad isn’t all that hard. And if Robertson keeps his form for another three or four seasons, Robinson might be left wondering what he’s doing at Anfield.

Now, on the other side of this tussle, we’ve got Manchester United, a team that’s downright desperate for someone to fix the mess that’s become their left-back situation. Erik ten Hag knows that without a solid defense, his dreams of bringing the Red Devils back to their glory days will remain just that—dreams.

This is where Robinson makes a lot more sense. He’d come in, not as a backup, but as someone ready to claim that starting spot. United needs, more than ever, a player who can step up without fear, with Premier League experience and quality. And unlike at Liverpool, Robinson would have way more chances to play, shine, and maybe even cement his place as one of the best left-backs in the league.

But, of course, Manchester United is also a bit of a minefield. Everyone knows the club’s been stumbling for years, with questionable managerial choices, overpriced signings that didn’t deliver, and a defense that’s, at best, shaky. For a player coming from Fulham, where he’s respected and valued, diving headfirst into a team in crisis is risky.

If Robinson can help steady United’s defense and be a part of their resurgence, he’d be hailed as a hero. No fanbase is hungrier for success than United’s right now. If the American succeeds, he could become the face of one of the most famous clubs in the world’s rebirth.

If he chooses Liverpool, he’s joining a team where, if he doesn’t stay patient, he might spend more time on the sidelines than on the pitch. But he’d also get the chance to train and learn from some of the best players and coaches in the world. And when his moment comes, he could be playing for major titles.

If he opts for Manchester United, the pressure’s higher, but so are the chances to play. United desperately needs a solution for their defensive issues, and Robinson could be just the guy to start fixing things. But there’s the risk of joining a team still trying to figure out who they are, which could hurt his career if things don’t go according to plan.

No matter what Robinson decides, the fact is that five years ago, no one would’ve expected to see an American defender at the center of a tug-of-war between two Premier League giants. Liverpool and Manchester United are both watching closely, and now it’s up to Antonee Robinson to choose his path.

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