Liverpool manager Arne Slot has publicly backed Trent Alexander-Arnold following the full-back’s disappointing performance in Liverpool's 2-2 draw against Manchester United, dismissing speculation that the transfer rumors surrounding him were impacting his focus. Alexander-Arnold, who has been repeatedly linked with a move to Real Madrid, faced criticism after struggling to cope with the attacking threats posed by Manchester United’s frontline at Old Trafford.
Alexander-Arnold's performance against Manchester United was scrutinized, as he was repeatedly tested by the attacking duo of Diogo Dalot and Rasmus Højlund, with Fernandes pulling the strings in the midfield. Despite Liverpool's defensive struggles in the match, Slot defended his star player and attributed Alexander-Arnold’s difficulties to the quality of the United players he was facing, rather than any distraction caused by the ongoing transfer rumors.
“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 rumors. But my opinion is different,” Slot said, making a point to emphasize the difficulty of the match rather than any potential off-field distractions.
The ongoing transfer rumors surrounding Alexander-Arnold's future have intensified, with the 25-year-old's contract set to expire in June 2025. Real Madrid has reportedly been monitoring the situation closely, leading to speculation that the full-back could make a move on a free transfer through a pre-contract agreement. However, Slot strongly dismissed the notion that these rumors were affecting Alexander-Arnold's concentration, instead focusing on the caliber of Manchester United’s attackers as the reason behind the difficult evening.
“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 remarked, emphasizing the exceptional quality of United's offensive players, which posed significant challenges for the Liverpool defender.
Despite Alexander-Arnold's defensive struggles, Slot maintained that the English full-back remains a key player for Liverpool, and one underwhelming performance should not overshadow his contributions to the team. The Liverpool manager made it clear that he has full confidence in Alexander-Arnold’s ability to bounce back from this challenging match.
On the pitch, the match proved to be a significant test for Liverpool, as they had to come from behind to secure a point. United’s attacking pressure was relentless, and their ability to exploit spaces in Liverpool's defense showcased the ongoing challenges Liverpool faces. Dalot’s dynamic runs and Højlund’s forward movements caused particular problems for Alexander-Arnold, while Fernandes continued to dictate play from midfield. However, despite the struggles, Slot pointed to the quality of the opposition rather than placing blame on any individual performance.
For Manchester United, the 2-2 draw was a slight but necessary improvement, lifting them to 13th in the Premier League standings. While the result provided a morale boost, it also highlighted their continued struggles with consistency. They remain far behind in the race for European qualification, and questions persist regarding their ability to challenge for top honors in the league. Nonetheless, the draw against a title-contending team like Liverpool was seen as a positive, especially considering the ongoing issues United has faced in recent weeks.
Despite the ongoing transfer speculation, Slot’s public support of Alexander-Arnold underscores the full-back's importance to Liverpool. With his contract situation unresolved, the pressure is mounting for both player and club to address his future. Nonetheless, Slot’s comments suggest that the club’s focus remains firmly on the present, with Alexander-Arnold continuing to play a pivotal role in Liverpool’s defensive and offensive strategies.
In the wake of this performance, Liverpool will be hoping to recover quickly and refocus on their next fixtures, while Alexander-Arnold will undoubtedly be eager to prove his critics wrong and return to the level of performance that has made him one of the best full-backs in world football. As for Manchester United, their challenge is far from over, and the team must build on this result if they are to salvage their season and make a push for a European spot.
