Liverpool defender did little to impress during the first half of the Reds' match against .

Alexander-Arnold has impressed this season as remain interested in a move. The England star came in for particular praise from after scoring in the 5-0 win at in late December, but found himself exposed at Anfield on Sunday.

Two of the biggest early chances for United came after attacks down the right-back's flank. First, Diogo Dalot got in behind only for Amad to get ahead of the ball when his cross came in.

There was another big opportunity shortly before the break, with Rasmus Hojlund finding space but not managing to beat Alisson. Keane was in the Sky Sports studio at half-time, and he pulled no punches in his assessment.

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"Trent Alexander-Arnold has been all over the place defensively," the pundit and former United captain said. "His defending has been schoolboy stuff. He's got to do better."

"They're talking about him going to Real Madrid. The way he's defending he's going to Tranmere Rovers after this," he added. "He's got to do better."

Liverpool's near-neighbours Tranmere are down in League Two, sitting just seven points clear of bottom side Carlisle. Their last game saw right wing-back Cameron Norman score the winner against Carlisle, and the EFL side responded on social media by saying: "Trent to Tranmere, Roy? Nah, we're alright thanks."

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Alexander-Arnold also struggled for United's opener, giving the ball away in the lead-up to Lisandro Martinez's strike, which came with the centre-back getting forward down the left. The display to forget comes against a backdrop of boss Arne Slot praising the player, though he maintained he can still improve elements of his game.

"These players are top of the , so there's not a lot of room for improvement anymore, but there's always a bit of improvement," Slot said ahead of Sunday's game. "Especially defensively, Trent, in my opinion, has made a step up this season.

"I think in some games he was outstanding in every part of the game, but there's sometimes been a bit of up and down as well, in other games he could've done a bit better. So, it's about consistency for top players and that is maybe where the biggest improvement for Trent is."

Slot also praised Alexander-Arnold's display in the previous game against West Ham. "Everybody saw how great of a first half of a season he's had, how much he is here, how much he wants to win here," the Dutchman said.

"He played an incredible game against West Ham. I think we all remember that pass he gave, I think it was in the first half the pass he gave to Mo. I see him on the training ground every day working his [backside] off. He's fully committed to us and he will play on Sunday... if they don't tell me he's sick, but I don't expect them to!"

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