Roy Keane has scoffed at talk of Trent Alexander-Arnold joining Real Madrid – saying Liverpool’s European international is more likely to join fourth-tier 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 over the runaway Premier League leaders at Anfield on Sunday.
“The chances for United were very 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’s defense today – God, he’s something of a student.
“There’s talk of him going to Real Madrid – he’s going to Tranmere Rovers after that. He has to do better defensively, he has to do better.”
“After that he will go to Tranmere Rovers” 💬
Roy Keane’s honest take on Trent Alexander-Arnold’s defence. pic.twitter.com/vE02Qmnqik
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) January 5, 2025
Alexander-Arnold’s match 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, with their attacks from the center following, on 22, 6%.
Amad Diallo failed to capitalize when Diogo Dalot’s cross from that side found him unmarked in front of goal, and Lisandro Martinez played in Rasmus Hojlund, only for Alisson to deny the striker with a fine save.
Seven minutes after the restart, an attack down the left channel allowed centre-back Martinez to crash home the opener from Bruno Fernandes’ pass to end United’s six-year wait for a goal at Anfield.
Lisandro MartÃnez unleashes a thunderbolt past Alisson! 🔥 pic.twitter.com/z3vmqkbIol
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) January 5, 2025
“He better hope Madrid doesn’t see”
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 in recent years, although his defensive abilities have often been questioned.
“There were a lot of eyes coming into this game, Trent Alexander-Arnold, at the back of the Real Madrid talk,” said former Reds defender Jamie Carragher, speaking before Cody Gakpo equalised.
“I expected a big performance from him. Better hope they (Madrid) don’t see that.”
