Trent Alexander-Arnold has revealed the six-word response he gave Sir Alex Ferguson when the former Manchester United manager asked why he had not signed for the club. Despite rising through the ranks at Liverpool, United's fierce rivals, the right-back had family connections to Old Trafford.
Family Ties and a Memorable Reply
Alexander-Arnold's uncle, John Alexander, was a club secretary at United, which prompted Ferguson's interest. As recalled to the Mirror in 2018, when asked why he had not attempted to join United, Alexander-Arnold told Ferguson: “My mum doesn’t drive on motorways.”
Instead, the right-back remained with the club he had begun training with at six years old. He was integral to Jurgen Klopp's side after making his first league start against United as a teenager, with his pinpoint passing helping Liverpool win several trophies, including the Premier League and Champions League.
Move to Real Madrid
Alexander-Arnold decided to leave for Real Madrid as he neared the end of his contract in 2025, a decision that proved controversial among sections of Liverpool fans. The 28-year-old made 354 appearances for Liverpool before moving to the Spanish capital.
He felt the time was right to start a new chapter after winning a second Premier League title in 2025. “It was one of the toughest decisions of my life,” he said last September. “Liverpool is my home; it made me who I am. But Madrid felt like the right step, at the right time. It is definitely a challenge, but it's a challenge I welcome.”
Struggles at the Bernabeu
Alexander-Arnold has struggled to have the same influence at his new club. He featured 30 times for Real in all competitions last term but made only 14 league starts as he battled injuries. The full-back has begun the new campaign as a rotational option under new boss Jose Mourinho, with summer signing Denzel Dumfries and club captain Fede Valverde providing competition at right-back.
The former Liverpool star remained an unused substitute as Valverde was deployed at full-back against Sevilla at the weekend. Alexander-Arnold has started three league games and been left on the bench on four occasions so far this season. In the Champions League, Mourinho trialled the England international in midfield against Inter Milan before he was once again unused in Real's win over Roma. The right-back will hope to stake his claim against RB Leipzig on Wednesday as he attempts to become a regular starter for the Spanish giants.
