2025-01-02

Laura Woods: Alexander-Arnold Will Move to Real Madrid

AMORIM NEEDS TIME AT OLD TRAFFORD

I don’t think the Manchester United players fit Ruben Amorim’s style. They fit Erik ten Hag’s. Amorim needs changes, he needs to be backed. The performance against Newcastle at home was just unacceptable, by their own standards, but Amorim must be given time and the chance to bring players in that support his identity. Otherwise, what was the point in bringing in a brilliant young manager, whose style you are well aware of, just to watch him drown? I don’t think that’s what is happening. I think with everything, it will not be an overnight fix at Old Trafford.

UNITED NOT IN A RELEGATION BATTLE, YET

No, I don't think United are in a relegation battle. They have far too many players in that team with experience and talent. They’re still seven points clear of Ipswich, but the fact we’re even discussing United and relegation in the same sentence goes to show how far this once-great club has slipped.

They have needed open heart surgery for a while, maybe that’s what we’re seeing and it may get worse before it gets better.

SLOT WINNING TITLE IN FIRST SEASON WOULD BE A HUGE ACHIEVEMENT

There is still a long way to go in the season, but if Arne Slot won the Premier League in his first season it would be hugely impressive. For me more because the transfer from one country to another is not always this seamless, so you’d always allow a season to settle in.

The Premier League is different from other leagues. We’ve seen great managers struggle to get to grips with it, and it would absolutely be a big achievement.

I’m not putting it up there with the likes of Leicester in 2015, though. Liverpool have always been a very well-run club, with exceptional players with a range of experience and Slot has proven to be an excellent appointment.

ALEXANDER-ARNOLD WILL MOVE TO MADRID

I think Trent Alexander-Arnold may well end up at Real Madrid and I wouldn’t blame him. He is young, so talented and has the world at his feet.

If Real come knocking, there aren’t many that would turn it down, and for good reason. Liverpool can afford to lose him with the emergence of Connor Bradley, but shouldn’t do it willingly. He is an academy boy, he is loved beyond measure and has been there for all of the highs of Liverpool’s recent successes in the Jurgen Klopp era. So if they do let him go, it should be through gritted teeth.

SALAH AND VAN DIJK MORE IMPORTANT THAN TRENT

I do think Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk are the priorities of the trio. They are vital to Liverpool. They’re the DNA of the club, and losing one of those would rock this team more than losing Trent.

I just can’t believe the club has allowed three of their star players to run down their contracts like this. As much as we’re promised it doesn’t affect their teammates, the uncertainty will certainly have affected the fanbase and has become one of the main talking points in a season where we should be focusing on their achievements.