Liverpool manager Arne Slot defended Trent Alexander-Arnold following criticism after a 2-2 draw with Manchester United, stating that the defender's performance wasn't affected by transfer rumors.
Liverpool boss Arne Slot defended Trent Alexander-Arnold who drew scathing criticism from pundits after their 2-2 draw with mid-table Manchester United on Sunday, a result that felt like “two points lost” for the Premier League leaders. United’s Bruno Fernandes and Diogo Dalot left the Liverpool defender — who has been linked this week with a move to Spanish giants Real Madrid — chasing shadows for much of the game, and former United captain Roy Keane pulled no punches.
“We talk about how brilliant Trent is going forward, but Trent’s defending today, my goodness it’s like schoolboy stuff,” Keane said on the Sky Sports broadcast. “There’s talk 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.” Asked if Alexander-Arnold was distracted by the chatter about his contract, which is set to expire at the season’s end, Slot said: “I don’t believe in those things. “I think nine out of 10 people will tell you that it affected him, but I’m one of the 10 that tells you that I don’t think that affected him. What affected him is that he had to play Bruno Fernandes and Diogo Dalot, two starters for Portugal, great, great, great players,” Slot said. “We have a fantastic player here with Diogo Jota, and he’s not even playing for Portugal. So that tells you how much quality United has. Probably everybody’s going to tell you that it had to do with the rumours. But my opinion is different.”League Two’s Tranmere Rovers responded to Keane’s comments with a tongue-in-cheek post on social media platform X, writing: “Trent to Tranmere, Roy? Nah, we’re alright thanks.” Cody Gakpo and Mohamed Salah scored for the Reds, who remained top of the table with 46 points, six ahead of second-placed Arsenal with a game in hand. Slot said the draw felt like their 1-0 loss to Nottingham Forest in mid-September, their only defeat this season. “Of course, it feels for us as two points dropped,” the Dutchman sai
ALEXANDER-ARNOLD LIVERPOOL MANCHESTER UNITED TRANSFER RUMORS PREMIER LEAGUE
South Africa Latest News, South Africa Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Why Alexander-Arnold's Real Madrid Move Makes SenseA sports journalist analyzes Trent Alexander-Arnold's potential transfer to Real Madrid, drawing parallels with other players making similar career moves.
Read more »
Manchester City host Manchester United in crisis derbyManchester's crisis-hit clubs face off in the Premier League when City host United on Sunday while Newcastle boss Eddie Howe badly needs a win against Leicester at St James' Park.
Read more »
Ruben Amorim denies Manchester City contact before joining Manchester UnitedAs Ruben Amorim prepares for his first Manchester derby on Sunday, the 39-year-old's link to City prior to his arrival at United has become a hot topic.
Read more »
Former Manchester United Midfielder Linked With Manchester City MoveFormer Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba has been linked with a sensational return to the Premier League. The World Cup winner is serving a doping ban.
Read more »
Diallo Scores Late Winner as Manchester United Stun Manchester City in DerbyAmad Diallo's last-minute goal secured a dramatic 2-1 victory for Manchester United against Manchester City in a thrilling Manchester derby.
Read more »
‘Incredible’ Liverpool must stay focused: SlotSlot claimed Liverpool's goal-spree in north London on Sunday ranked as their best away performance since he arrived from Feyenoord.
Read more »