Gary Neville claims Manchester United intentionally targeted Trent Alexander-Arnold during Sunday’s Premier League match against Liverpool at Anfield.
Heading into the game, Liverpool appeared unstoppable, riding a four-match winning streak that included demolitions of West Ham and Tottenham over Christmas.
Meanwhile, Manchester United had suffered four consecutive defeats to Newcastle, Wolves, and Bournemouth, failing to score in any of those games.
Despite initial fears of another humiliating loss, United weathered early Liverpool pressure and took the lead shortly after halftime through Lisandro Martinez.
The goal stemmed from Liverpool’s right flank, where Alexander-Arnold struggled and faced harsh criticism from pundits like former United captain Roy Keane.
Liverpool equalized through Cody Gakpo and took the lead when Mohamed Salah converted a penalty after Matthijs de Ligt handled the ball in the box.
Yet United displayed remarkable determination, securing an 80th-minute equalizer through Amad Diallo, again exploiting Alexander-Arnold’s side. And Amad Diallo played a vital role by Securing a point for the Red Devils. he scored in Etihad Stadium Also Securing all three points for the Red Devils
Neville suggested United’s strategy was deliberate, with Diogo Dalot repeatedly challenging the Liverpool full-back. “From the first minute, Dalot thought, ‘I’ve got you,’” Neville remarked on his Sky Sports podcast. “Dalot hasn’t been this aggressive in weeks, but today he seized his chance.”
Praising United’s performance, Neville called it their best display under manager Ruben Amorim. “Coming to Anfield and playing like this tops even the win against Manchester City,” he said. “United fans expected the worst today, but the team more than deserved the draw.”
Alexander-Arnold’s difficulties may have been influenced by transfer speculation. Reports indicate Real Madrid recently submitted a bid for the Liverpool star, which was rejected. If a January move doesn’t materialize, the Spanish giants are expected to pursue him in the summer as a free agent.
Despite the draw, Liverpool remain six points clear at the top of the Premier League, while Manchester United sit 13th. Liverpool next face Tottenham in the Carabao Cup semi-final, while United prepare for an FA Cup clash against Arsenal next weekend.