Roy Keane has scoffed at talk of a move for Trent Alexander-Arnold to Real Madrid – saying the Liverpool player is more likely to join fourth-tier strugglers Tranmere Rovers.
Manchester United legend Keane was unimpressed by Alexander-Arnold’s defensive display as his former club overturned their league position to take the lead against the runaway Premier League leaders at Anfield on Sunday.
“The chances for United were too easy, just a couple of balls over the top,” Keane told Sky Sports, adding that the England international was “everywhere” when United attacked.
“We talk about how brilliant Trent is going forward, but Trent defending today – my God, it’s like a schoolboy.
“There is talk of him going to Real Madrid – after this he goes to Tranmere Rovers. He has to be better defensively, he has to be better.”
“After this he goes to Tranmere Rovers” 💬
Roy Keane’s honest opinion on Trent Alexander-Arnold’s defence. pic.twitter.com/vE02Qmnqik
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) January 5, 2025
Alexander-Arnold’s fight against United
By the 41st minute, Opta stats shared by the Guardian showed that 56% of the visitors’ attacks had come along Liverpool’s right flank patrolled by Alexander-Arnold, followed by their attacks through the center, 22.6%.
Amad Diallo failed to capitalize when Diogo Dalot crossed from that side and found him unmarked in front of goal, and Lisandro Martinez played past Rasmus Hojlund, only for Alisson to deny the striker with a fine save.
Seven minutes from the restart, a foray down the left channel allowed centre-back Martinez to crash in the opener from Bruno Fernandes’ pass to end United’s six-year wait for a goal at Anfield.
Lisandro Martínez fires a thunderbolt beyond Alisson! 🔥 pic.twitter.com/z3vmqkbIol
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) January 5, 2025
“He better hope Madrid isn’t 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 squad in recent years, although his defensive abilities have often been questioned.
“There were a lot of eyes, going into this game, on Trent Alexander-Arnold, on the back of talk of Real Madrid,” said former Reds defender Jamie Carragher, speaking before Cody Gakpo equalised.
“I expected a big performance from him; he better hope they are [Madrid] I’m not watching this.”
