Trent Alexander-Arnold, the Liverpool full-back, faces scrutiny following his performance in the recent 2-2 draw against Manchester United, where speculation about his future continues to swirl. While discussions have intensified surrounding a potential move to Real Madrid, some experts, including Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk, believe these rumors did not impact Alexander-Arnold’s play.

The 26-year-old struggled during the match, giving away possession before United took the lead and ultimately being substituted in the 86th minute. The prior week, sources revealed that Liverpool had rejected an approach from Real Madrid for his services in January, raising questions about the possibility of his departure. Reflecting on these events, Van Dijk asserted, “Trent has his own people around him, his family and we are there as well… That is the main focus,” an indication that the speculation surrounding Alexander-Arnold may not adversely affect his performance as some pundits suggest.

Former Manchester United captain Roy Keane criticized Alexander-Arnold’s defensive efforts, stating, “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.” In response, Tranmere Rovers humorously reacted to this comment on social media, showing that the jibes have not gone unnoticed and may be contributing to the narrative around Alexander-Arnold’s capabilities.

Notably, Liverpool manager Arne Slot defended Alexander-Arnold post-match, attributing his underperformance more to the quality of Manchester United's players, specifically Bruno Fernandes and Diogo Dalot, rather than the surrounding transfer rumors. “What affected him was that he had to play against Bruno Fernandes and Diogo Dalot, two starters for Portugal,” Slot explained. In agreeing with Slot, Van Dijk reinforced that speculation about the future shouldn't be the primary concern affecting his teammate’s performance.

Despite these defenses, Alexander-Arnold's performance has raised eyebrows among fans, with many demanding clarity about his future. Social media has seen a barrage of mixed opinions, with some fans expressing frustration regarding his display during the match, urging him to choose his path swiftly.

The England international's current contract situation adds more intrigue, as he is eligible to speak with foreign clubs about a pre-contract deal starting January. Liverpool remains keen on extending his contract, hoping to retain the talented right-back who has been an integral part of their recent successes. Nonetheless, as the winter transfer window approaches, the question remains: Will Alexander-Arnold forge on with Liverpool, or will Real Madrid etch his name onto their roster?

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