Roy Keane has ridiculed talk of Trent Alexander-Arnold joining Real Madrid, saying the Liverpool player is likely to join fourth-tier strugglers Tranmere Rovers.
Manchester United legend Keane was not impressed with Alexander-Arnold's defensive display as his former club belied their league position to take the lead against the runaway Premier League leaders at Anfield on Sunday.
“United's chances were very easy, just a few balls over the goal,” Kane told Sky Sports, adding that the England international was “all over the place” when United attacked.
“We talk about how brilliant Trent was in attack but Trent's defense today – oh my God, it's like schoolboy stuff.
“There's talk of him going to Real Madrid – he'll go to Tranmere Rovers next. He's got to do better defensively, he's got to do better.
“He will go to Tranmere Rovers after this” 💬
Roy Keane's candid opinion on Trent Alexander-Arnold's defence. pic.twitter.com/vE02Qmnqik
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) January 5, 2025
Alexander-Arnold's struggle against United
By the 41st minute, Opta statistics shared by The Guardian showed that 56% of the visitors' attacks came along Liverpool's right wing guarded by Alexander-Arnold, with their attacks through the middle accounting for 22.6%.
Amad Diallo failed to capitalize on Diogo Dalot's cross from that side which found him unmarked in front of goal, and Lisandro Martinez passed to Rasmus Hoglund, but Alisson denied the striker a good save.
Seven minutes into the second half, a drive down the left channel allowed centre-back Martinez to score the opening goal from a Bruno Fernandes pass, ending United's six-year wait for a goal at Anfield.
Lisandro Martinez launches a lightning strike that goes past Alisson! 🔥 pic.twitter.com/z3vmqkbIol
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) January 5, 2025
“He better hope he doesn't watch Real Madrid.”
Alexander-Arnold has been heavily linked with a move to the European champions when his contract expires at the end of the season.
The 26-year-old joined Liverpool's academy in 2004 and has been an integral part of their squad over recent years, although his defensive abilities have frequently been called into question.
“There were a lot of eyes, in this game, on Trent Alexander-Arnold, with Real Madrid talking,” said former Reds defender Jamie Carragher, speaking before Cody Jacobo's equaliser.
“I was expecting a big performance from him; “He better hope they (Madrid) don't see this.”
