Roy Keane has mocked talk of Trent Alexander-Arnold joining Real Madrid – saying the Liverpool wideman is more likely to join fourth-tier strugglers Tranmere Rovers.
Manchester United legend Keane was unimpressed with Alexander-Arnold’s defensive display as his former club belied their league position to take the lead against the runaway leaders in the Premier League at Anfield on Sunday.
“The chances for United have been too easy, just a couple of balls over the top,” Keane told Sky Sports, adding that the England international had been “all over the place” when United had attacked.
“We talk about how brilliant Trent is going forward but Trent’s defending today – my goodness, it’s like schoolboy stuff.
“There’s talk about him going to Real Madrid – he’s going to Tranmere Rovers after this. He’s got to do better defensively, he has to do better.”
“He’s going to Tranmere Rovers after this” 💬
Roy Keane’s honest opinion on Trent Alexander-Arnold’s defending. pic.twitter.com/vE02Qmnqik
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) January 5, 2025
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Alexander-Arnold’s struggle vs United
By the 41st minute, Opta statistics shared by the Guardian showed that 56% of the visitors’ attacks had come along the Liverpool right flank being patrolled by Alexander-Arnold, with their attacks through the centre next, on 22.6%.
Amad Diallo failed to capitalise when Diogo Dalot’s cross from that side found him unmarked in front of goal, and Lisandro Martinez played Rasmus Hojlund through, only for Alisson to deny the striker with a fine save.
Seven minutes after the restart, an attack through the left channel allowed centre-back Martinez to crash in the opening goal from Bruno Fernandes’ pass and end United’s six-year wait for a goal at Anfield.
Lisandro Martínez unleashes a thunderbolt strike beyond Alisson! 🔥 pic.twitter.com/z3vmqkbIol
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) January 5, 2025
‘He’d better hope Madrid are not watching’
Alexander-Arnold has been heavily linked with a move to the reigning 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 side during recent years, although his defensive capabilities have been frequently questioned.
“There were a lot of eyes, coming into this game, on Trent Alexander-Arnold, on the back of that Real Madrid talk,” said former Reds defender Jamie Carragher, speaking before Cody Gakpo equalised.
“I was expecting a big performance from him; he’d better hope they’re [Madrid] not watching this.”
