Trent Alexander-Arnold has been in the headlines this week as Real Madrid made an audacious bid to take him to the Bernabeu in January.
Liverpool rejected the move out of hand as speculation continues to surround the England defender about an end-of-season free transfer to La Liga.
Head coach Arne Slot was at pains to insist Alexander-Arnold has not been affected by the talk, but his cause was not helped by his hapless display against United.
The visitors preyed on Alexander-Arnold’s defensive weakness throughout, launching regular raids down Liverpool’s right flank, while his usual strong point of passing was also horribly wayward.
It was a poor pass by Alexander-Arnold that led to Martinez’s opener while Diallo’s equaliser originated on his flank.
Alexander-Arnold was shown a yellow card three minutes after Diallo’s goal and it was almost a merciful release when he was replaced by Conor Bradley shortly after.
Liverpool were never at their best against this hugely improved United and were grateful for Maguire’s late miss that spared them only their second league loss this season.
Slot’s team are still in a commanding position, six points clear at the top with a game in hand on Arsenal, but this was not a Liverpool at their barnstorming best.
