Liverpool full-back Trent Alexander-Arnold ended up on the receiving end of a joke with Roy Keane and Tranmere Rovers after Sunday's game. Unexpected Premier League draw with Manchester United.
Alexander-Arnold, although hailed for his technical ability going forward, has often been criticized for the defensive side of his game.
This weakness was exploited by United and Keane did not hold back during the post-match coverage Sky Sportsmocking the ongoing transfer links with Real Madrid and suggesting such shows would be more at home in League Two.
“It's very easy, just a few balls over the top,” Keane said during the broadcast.
“Trent is defending himself, it's like schoolboy stuff. Speaking of going to Real Madrid, he's going to Tranmere Rovers after that.”
Tranmere's social media team saw an opportunity, responding Xbefore Twitter.
❔ Trent at Tranmere, Roy? No, we're fine, thanks.#TRFC #SWA pic.twitter.com/fQ6bgvUcDE
— Tranmere Rovers FC (@TranmereRovers) January 5, 2025
“Trent to Tranmere, Roy? No, we're fine thanks,” the club's official account posted alongside an image of right-back Cameron Norman.
The jibe has been viewed two million times, reposted more than 7,000 times, with 45,000 'likes'.
Alexander-Arnold's future remains uncertain, his contract with Liverpool expired in the summer and he is currently on track to leave the club as a free agent for Real Madrid. The champions of Europe also have tried unsuccessfully to get him to Spain faster.
The 26-year-old has a big decision to make at a crucial time in his career. Gary Lineker, who has experience swapping England for Spain after joining Barcelona in 1986, recently suggested criticism of Alexander-Arnold's defense would be less prevalent in La Liga.
“He will love it (in Spain). It will be amazing. They will adore him and appreciate his passing. He is at the peak of his career,” Lineker added. The rest is football in December.
“I wouldn't bother him. I think it makes a lot of sense. Free transfer is the way Real Madrid have been doing things lately. He's really close to Jude Bellingham and would fit in nicely. He would be a massive success. They wouldn't focus on protecting it as critically as we do here, in my opinion.”