Talk of future did not impact Alexander-Arnold - Van Dijk

Trent Alexander-Arnold's honours at Liverpool include the Champions League and Premier League

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk does not believe team-mate Trent Alexander-Arnold's poor performance against Manchester United was because the right-back was impacted by talk about his future.

Alexander-Arnold gave the ball away prior to United taking the lead at Anfield on Sunday, and struggled in the 2-2 Premier League draw before being replaced by Conor Bradley after 86 minutes.

In the week leading up to the match, sources said Liverpool rejected an approach from Real Madrid about signing Alexander-Arnold in January as speculation about his future intensified.

The England international, like Van Dijk and forward Mohamed Salah, is out of contract in the summer and can officially talk to clubs from abroad.

Asked if the speculation had affected Alexander-Arnold's performance, Van Dijk said: "No. I am fine with it.

"Trent has his own people around him, his family and we are there as well.

"He wants to perform in the best way possible like we all do. That is the main focus."

Van Dijk said in October that talks about extending his deal had started, but after the United game added there was no update on his contract situation.

Salah, who recently said "we are far away from any progress" about his own situation, posted a picture on social media of himself with Alexander-Arnold and Van Dijk during the match at Anfield on Sunday.

Slot defends Alexander-Arnold performance

Former Manchester United captain Roy Keane told Sky Sports: "There's talk about him [Alexander-Arnold] going to Real Madrid - the way he's defending he's going to Tranmere Rovers after this. He's got to do better."

Liverpool manager Arne Slot, who insisted Alexander-Arnold was "fully committed" to the Reds before the United game, said the 26-year-old's performance "probably wasn't his best game" but put it down to "the quality" of opposing players Diogo Dalot and Bruno Fernandes.

"I think nine out of 10 people will tell you it [speculation] affected him, but I am one of the 10 that tells you I don't think that affected him," said Slot.

"What affected him was that he had to play Bruno Fernandes and Diogo Dalot, who are two starters for Portugal.

"That is more difficult for Trent to play against Bruno Fernandes and Diogo Dalot than the rumours there were during the week.

"That's my opinion, and probably everybody will tell you it had to do with the rumours. My opinion is different."