Roy Keane suggested Trent Alexander-Arnold should be moving to Tranmere Rovers rather than Real Madrid after criticising the Liverpool player’s “schoolboy defending” in the 2-2 draw with Manchester United.
A sloppy pass from Alexander-Arnold allowed the visitors to open the scoring through Lisandro Martinez, and although the home side battled back through goals from Cody Gakpo and Mo Salah, United secured a point through Amad Diallo.
Alexander-Arnold has been linked with a switch to the Spanish giants during the transfer window, but Keane was distinctly unimpressed with his performance in the first-half of Sunday’s game against the Red Devils.
Analysing the chances which Diallo and Rasmus Hojlund failed to convert at Anfield during half-time, Keane said on Sky Sports: “It’s too easy.
“Them chances for United (come from) a couple of balls over the top. 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; the way he’s defending, he’s going to Tranmere Rovers after this. He’s got to do better.”
League Two side Tranmere were quick to respond to Keane’s jibe on social media, posting a picture of their player Cameron Norman on X under the message: “Trent to Tranmere Roy? Nah, we’re alright thanks.”
Speaking before the game, former Manchester United captain Keane had been concerned about how his former club would perform against the Premier League leaders.
“I don’t see the evidence of thinking Manchester United could turn up here and do a good job because recently they’ve been very poor defensively,” Keane said.
“They don’t look like a team, they look weak, they look small; every time the ball goes in the area, they look like they’re going to concede.
“I feel probably more worried than I ever have for this United team. I think it’s one of the worst-looking United teams I’ve seen in a long, long time.”