Arne Slot launched a staunch defense of Trent Alexander-Arnold after Liverpool's 2-2 draw with Manchester United on Sunday.

Alexander-Arnold was hooked during the latter stages of the Premier League game after a disappointing display. The defender, 26, was at fault for Lisandro Martinez's goal and struggled to find his rhythm at Anfield, with Virgil van Dijk venting his frustration at him.

Alexander-Arnold's performance is a huge concern for Reds fans, who are worried the player could become distracted due to Real Madrid's interest in him. He's out of contract in June, and it's believed Liverpool was forced to reject a January transfer bid from Madrid.

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Yet Slot has defended Alexander-Arnold. When asked about the player's display on Sky Sports, Slot replied: "Trent has played mostly very good games for the club. Today was not his best game but that had to do with them as well.

"Sometimes Ryan (Gravenberch) was not close enough to him so it was a two-on-one situation. I would put it more on the quality of (Diogo) Dalot and Bruno Fernandes."

Liverpool was forced to settle for a point following a pulsating game at Anfield. Martinez scored an unlikely opener for United just after halftime before Cody Gakpo equalized for the hosts and Mohamed Salah scored from the penalty spot.

Yet Liverpool couldn't hold on for the win as Amad, who famously scored a winner against the Reds during last season's FA Cup tie at Old Trafford, found the net in the 80th minute. The result leaves Liverpool six points clear of Arsenal in second with a game in hand.

Slot added to BBC Radio 5 Live: "We started really well, had three open chances in the game. We created three very good chances and then there was a period of time which was more difficult for us.

"It is difficult if you play quality players that are playing in a low block with only (Rasmus) Hojlund and (Amad) Diallo as attackers. It's not always easy to find the gaps and that's what happened. Then being 1-0 down makes it even more difficult but I was very happy with the mentality we showed afterwards going 2-1 up."

Former United captain Roy Keane was among those to criticize Alexander-Arnold on Sunday. "Trent defensively has been all over the place," Keane told Sky Sports at halftime. "It's too easy for them (United) with those chances, a couple of balls over the top.

"We talk about how brilliant Trent is going forward, but Trent's defending today, my goodness, it's like schoolboy stuff. There's talk about him going to Real Madrid, he's going to Tranmere Rovers after this."