Liverpool fans were nervous enough as they prepared for their clash against Manchester United at Old Trafford yesterday. However, it was only made worse for the travelling fans when the team news came out and they saw that their only senior right-back had been benched, as Trent Alexander-Arnold was replaced in the side by James Milner.
#MUNLIV team news. The Reds https://t.co/FV1nMu9lrM
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) 24 February 2019
It was a precautionary decision from Jurgen Klopp, who will have been worried about both Alexander-Arnold’s fitness having only just returned from four weeks out and the way that Marcus Rashford had the young full-back on toast in this fixture last season. It was a mistake from Trent that allowed United in last season during this fixture, and it may have had a bearing on Klopp’s final decision.
As it happened, the Reds got by okay without their 20-year-old defensive sensation as Milner stepped into a role that he may not be familiar with and shone. Having a player like Milner is crucial to the Kopites this season, his versatility has served them so well and the fact that he was able to cover yesterday made a huge difference in a game that looked more likely be decided by a key mistake than a moment of brilliance.
You can read the Reds’ thoughts on Trent’s absence here:
Why tf is Trent not starting
— Niall* (@lfcniaII) February 24, 2019
Why is Trent not in the starting line-up??
— MathiaasO (@Matta330) February 24, 2019
WHY NO TRENT? Huge loss
— JOAK1M (@JAckelmante) 24 February 2019
I just hope Klopp knows what he’s doing playing Milner ahead of Trent.
— Kwadwo Boadu Jr (@kayb__jr) 24 February 2019
Trent should play RB. Kieta not starting.. No big deal.
— ~OX (@emmydro) February 24, 2019
why is trent not starting
— affaan (@AffaanAli4) February 24, 2019
https://twitter.com/aliosman9/status/1099656659662790656
The travelling Kopites were far from happy to see Trent left out and will be desperate for him to return against Watford on Wednesday.
