Jamie Carragher believes Trent Alexander-Arnold's representatives knew Real Madrid would bid for the Liverpool star this month.
The right-back was the subject of a £20m bid from the Spanish giants this week as he enters the final six months of his contract at Anfield. Alexander-Arnold's impressive performances this season have made it easy for Liverpool manager Arne Slot to insist that the defender not be distracted by the headlines.
But Sunday night's performance against the Red Devils suggested a different story. The 26-year-old was well below his usual best offensively and was poor defensively.
The display raised the question among Sky pundits as to whether the England international's mind could be elsewhere. Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher even suggested the player's representative may have invited the ill-timed bid, while former United defender Gary Neville disagreed and former Reds striker Daniel Sturridge clashed with Carragher.
“They would have known what was happening,” Carragher said, referring to Alexander-Arnold's representatives.
“I'm not so naive as to think that Real Madrid would have made an offer in January for a player they can get for free in four months.”
Trent Alexander-Arnold had a night to forget against Man United and was substituted late
Jamie Carragher suggested Alexander-Arnold and his team would have been aware of Real Madrid's bid this week as their poor performance led to Liverpool's 2-2 draw with Man United.
Former Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge confronted Carragher over the defender after the match
He added: “Do you really think that when this offer comes in they sit at home and watch it on Sky Sports and say 'wow!'”
Neville said: “The offer from Real Madrid comes at a bad time for him. That won't be an easy distraction. I thought it was an insult from Real Madrid. They're not going to sell Trent for £20m in January. You can imagine “That noise in your head before the game.”
Neville added: “He probably feels that in this country he doesn't get the respect he deserves.” I have been critical of their defensive performances.
“If someone came for me, I would never leave my club. That doesn't mean I was right.
In an often frantic post-match discussion involving both of them, as well as former Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge and United legend Roy Keane, Carragher said: “The disappointing thing for me – he could be captain in two or three years – if I were in Because of his position, I would like to put Liverpool above Man United in league titles.
“It's more of a disappointment. I would love to have played for the best team in the league.”
Along with captain Virgil van Dijk and talisman Mohamed Salah, Alexander-Arnold can now sign a pre-contract with foreign clubs. Although, due in part to his silence on the matter, his future at Anfield is the most uncertain.
Sturridge, who played alongside the full-back on Merseyside, identified with his situation and insisted he is not the type of player who would let off-field issues affect his performances.
The timing of Real Madrid's offer, given they can sign the defender for free in the summer, has raised eyebrows as Liverpool continue to fight for the Premier League title.
Alexander-Arnold is close friends with England and Real Madrid star Jude Bellingham.
Liverpool fans raised a banner on the Kop against the club's owners over the trio of players
“He's a professional guy,” the former forward said. “It's not his character not to concentrate on the game: Trent can defend better, but there were times when he didn't have help either.”
“It's a loss, it's a loss either way.” Everyone involved in the football club should want him to stay. The club knows that Trent's contract is running out.
'He has six months left on his contract. None of the three should be in this situation. We are not aware of contracts being offered and rejected. Jurgen's departure was a problem for everyone.
“Leaving these three players in a situation like this.”
“If you give up the number of games he has played for Liverpool. He shows a bit of class and I say all the best,” Keane added before admitting that his form must return to its usual level for the Reds to win the title.
He said: “What could derail it is if he defends like this for the rest of the season.” You have to defend better.”
Liverpool fans made their feelings known before kick-off, with a banner displayed at the end of the Kop representing their three soon-to-be out-of-contract stars.
The captain accompanying him read: “FSG Give your money to Mo & Co.”
Reds fans who reacted to the banner online praised those inside the pitch for taking a stance against the club's ownership with an X post saying: “Fans make it clear: pay Salah and the team what they deserve.”
Another added similarly: “The fans are making their voices heard on the Kop… The message is clear: FSG, give Mo and the team what they deserve.”