Forget Real Madrid – Liverpool star Trent Alexander-Arnold is more suited to Tranmere Rovers.
That’s the view of Roy Keane, who lambasted the right-back’s defending during the first half of the Reds’ thrilling 2-2 draw against Manchester United.
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Alexander-Arnold was caught out twice in the opening period at Anfield, with the hosts lucky they didn’t go into the break ahead.
Both of the Red Devils’ best chances came down Alexander-Arnold’s channel – with the England international first caught out for being too square for a through ball to Diogo Dalot.
But Amad Diallo somehow headed the ball behind him after being picked out by the Portuguese full-back.
The Liverpool academy graduate was then ball-watching after Lautaro Martinez clipped a pass over the top for Rasmus Hojlund to run onto.
Just like Diallo, Hojlund fluffed his lines, as goalkeeper Alisson raced off his line to deny the Danish striker from opening the scoring.
With just six months left on his deal in Merseyside, Alexander-Arnold has been heavily linked with a move away – notably to Real Madrid.
However, Keane has joked that should he continue to defend as he did in the first half, he could be better suited to League Two outfit Tranmere instead.
Speaking in his half-time analysis, the Sky Sports pundit said: “We talk about how brilliant Trent is going forward.
“But Trent’s defending today, my goodness, it was like schoolboy stuff.
“They’re talking about him going to Real Madrid, the way he’s defending, he’s going to Tranmere Rovers after this. He’s got to do better.”
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Former Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge was unable to contain his emotions following Keane’s statement, who simply buried his head in his hands.
Pressed for his opinion on Keane’s brutal assessment, Sturridge simply stated: “No words.”
Keane then quipped: “He doesn’t have to move house then, does he?”
He then added: “But he’s got to do better defensively, he’s got to do better.”
Just seven minutes into the second half, United finally took the lead – with the attack coming down Alexander-Anrold’s side again.
Bruno Fernandes slipped in Lisandro Martinez, who rifled in a first-time finish off the underside of the bar.
But United’s lead didn’t last long, with Cody Gakpo equalising seven minutes later with an emphatic strike into the top corner.
And the comeback was complete in the 70th minute when Mohamed Salah slotted home a penalty into the bottom right corner for his 18th Premier League goal of the season.
However Arne Slot’s men couldn’t hold onto the lead, as Amad Diallo hauled United back on level terms in the 80th minute as the visitors exposed Liverpool’s right side of defence again.
A Liverpool victory would have extended their lead over Arsenal to eight points following the Gunners’ controversial 1-1 draw away at Brighton on Saturday.
As for United, they have now ended a run of four consecutive defeats in all competitions with Ruben Amorim’s men up into 13th place.
