Paul Scholes questions whether Arne Slot ‘likes’ Trent Alexander-Arnold after spotting key reactions from the stands at Man United – as Liverpool vice-captain faces end of his contract

Paul Scholes has suggested that new Liverpool manager Arne Slot may not be a huge fan of Trent Alexander-Arnold.

The Reds boss has got off to the perfect start in charge of the club after taking over from Jurgen Klopp in the summer having won all three of his matches without conceding a goal, including the 3-0 victory over Manchester United at Old Trafford.

Alexander-Arnold has played a key role in that success, starting every game at right back and looking back to his best in a somewhat inverted role following his struggles in midfield for England at the Euros.

But he has not completed a full game for Slot’s side, playing 76 minutes against Ipswich, 71 against Brentford and 75 against Manchester United.

With the England star’s contract up at the end of the season, there has been uncertainty around his future, and Scholes, speaking on Stick to Football, brought to you by Sky Bet, has questioned how Slot really feels about one of his star men.

Slot (pictured) has enjoyed a perfect start to life as Liverpool manager, winning all three of his games in charge so far

Scholes (pictured), however, suggested that he noticed reactions from Slot against Manchester United

‘Watching that Sunday game, every time he gave the ball away he [Slot] was shaking his head,’ the former United midfielder said. ‘He kept looking away and turning around to his bench.

‘He was trying these long balls, which obviously he can do brilliantly. I thought, “I’m not sure if he likes him”‘.

Jamie Carragher said: ”I think the way Slot wants to play, he doesn’t want these long balls as much. ‘He will want him to stay as a player.’

Scholes replied and praised Connor Bradley, who has also shone at right back for Liverpool, and Carragher joked in response: ‘You’re trying to get rid of him, aren’t you?’

Alexander-Arnold had been seen in tears after the final game of Klopp’s reign last season, and there had been suggestions that he would move on in the summer, with no new contract agreed and Real Madrid interested.

There are still no signs of any positive negotiations between the defender and his club, which he has been at since he was a child.

In the summer, he was seen relaxing with England team-mate and Real Madrid star Jude Bellingham, with some fans making assumptions about what that could have meant for his future.

The defender appeared frustrated after being taken off against Ipswich, but was all smiles after the 3-0 win over United last time out.

Alexander-Arnold has impressed so far this season, but has been taken off in all three games

The defender’s contract is up at the end of the season, with no sign of negotiations taking place so far

Jamie Carragher (pictured) suggested Liverpool fans could turn on the defender if he leaves the club

‘I think his situation at Liverpool is really interesting,’ former Reds man Carragher said of his contract scenario. ‘I always feel like at Liverpool and you’re a local player, leaving the club is difficult.

‘You have three players in [Mohamed] Salah, [Virgil] van DIijk and Trent. I think the reaction from Liverpool supporters, with Trent it will be different. If you go through it – [Steve] McManaman, [Steven] Gerrard, the fans completely turned.

‘I think he will be treated differently and it was interesting in the first game when he came off and he looked a little bit unhappy on the bench. Even though he’d only been there for two games, it was a little bit like, “Who do you think you are?”‘

Liverpool take on Nottingham Forest at Anfield this weekend as the Premier League returns following the international break.