Article by Cosmin Nistor – Published Monday, October 20, 2025, 9:01 p.m. / Updated Monday, October 20, 2025, 9:05 p.m.
Liverpool is going through a difficult period, and after the defeat with Manchester United, score 1-2 at Anfield, the former great striker Wayne Rooney had a sharp message for the coach Arne Slot (47 years old).
While some Cormorants fans criticized Mohamed Salah, Rooney surprised everyone by calling for another player to be dropped from the squad.
Wayne Rooney slams most expensive transfer in Premier League history: 'Isak shouldn't be playing at all now'
In a new episode of his podcast The Wayne Rooney Show, the Manchester United legend spoke about the lackluster performance of new Liverpool star Alexander Isak, who was signed for a record €145 million in the summer.
“I wouldn't play Isak anymore. It should not be a holder. He hasn't looked ready since coming from Newcastle.
He didn't have a preseason at all, and it shows. While the others were training, he was probably on the phone for hours with the agent trying to get the transfer,” Rooney said.
The Swedish forward has yet to impress at Liverpool, with just one goal, scored in the Carabao Cup, and none in the Premier League after four appearances.
Instead, Hugo Ekitike, brought from Eintracht Frankfurt for 95 million euros, has already scored 5 goals in 11 official games.
“Based on performance, Isak does not deserve to play instead of Ekitike. They should leave him on the bench until he regains his form,” added the former Manchester United striker from 2004-2017.
Wayne Rooney praises Mohamed Salah: 'One of the greatest in Premier League history'
Instead, Mohamed Salah was criticized by supporters after the match with United, and Rooney also wanted to highlight his performances in recent years:
“Salah has been the decisive man for years. He played tremendously, took all the pressure on his shoulders. He is, for me, in top 5 all-time in the Premier League.
But I think the years have caught up with him. He signed a new contract, but it wouldn't surprise me if he left in the summer” said the former England captain.
Salah, the numbers of a season far below expectations
After an exceptional 2024/25 season, where he had 34 goals and 23 assists in 52 matches, the Egyptian started the current season modestly.
In his first 11 games in all competitions, last season's top scorer in the Premier League has just 3 goals and 3 assists.
Crisis in Liverpool before the European match with Frankfurt
Liverpool have lost four in a row, their worst run in a decade. The next match, with Eintracht Frankfurt, is already considered decisive for the future of Arne Slot, who is under pressure after the missed start of his tenure.
