Paul Scholes is convinced Arne Slot doesn't like Trent Alexander-Arnold for key reason

Manchester United icon Paul Scholes has cast doubt over Arne Slot’s admiration for Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold -following the Dutch manager’s reactions during the Reds’ victory at Old Trafford. Slot has enjoyed a stellar start with Liverpool, securing three wins from three, including a 3-0 demolition of Manchester United, but suspicions have been raised about his relationship with one key player.

His decision to substitute a visibly frustrated Alexander-the 2-0 win against BrArnold during entford last month sparked rumours of tension between the player and his new boss. The England right-back was discussed on The Overlap, in association with Sky Bet, where Scholes highlighted Alexander-Arnold’s impressive outings for England against Ireland and Finland.

However, he raised eyebrows about the player’s standing with Slot. In conversation with Jamie Carragher, Scholes asked the Liverpool legend: “Do you think Slot likes him?”

He then described Slot’s apparent exasperation with Alexander-Arnold during the United clash: “Because watching that game [against Manchester United], every time he gave the ball away, he’s [Slot] shaking his head, kept looking away [and] turning around to his bench.”

Scholes went on to suggest that despite Alexander-Arnold’s undeniable skill, Slot’s body language was telling: “Every time when he was trying his long balls, which he can do brilliantly, he kept shaking his head and turning around and I thought f***ing hell, I’m not sure he likes him,” reports the Mirror.

Despite Scholes’ concerns, Slot has started the 25-year-old – whose deal is up next year and is attracting interest from Real Madrid – in all three matches so far while Carragher insisted the Dutchman ‘will want to keep him’.

Slot addressed the stir caused by the defender’s apparent discontent at being substituted, explaining post-match that it was a strategic move to preserve his physical condition.

“Trent came back from the national team, where in the beginning of the tournament he played quite a lot and then he didn’t,” Slot admitted in a post-match press briefing. “He had a few weeks off, came back and it is only his third game and we have to take care of him. We need him for the whole season and not only for the first two games.”

“The good thing for me is that I have a very good backup as well with Conor, that means we are taking care of Trent, but he played a good game.” With Lee Carsley at the helm for England on an interim basis, Alexander-Arnold flourished during the international break where he clinched man of the match honours against both Ireland and Finland.

Slot will hope he can continue in the same vein when Liverpool return to action at home against Nottingham Forest this Saturday.