Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney has publicly criticised Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah for his defensive performance during Liverpool's 3-0 defeat to Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday, November 9, 2025.
Rooney, working as a pundit on the BBC's Match of the Day, highlighted Salah's failure to support young teammate Conor Bradley against the threat of City's Jeremy Doku. The defeat saw Manchester City close the gap on league leaders Arsenal to just four points.
Rooney's Scathing Analysis of Salah's Performance
While acknowledging that Salah's primary role is to score and create goals, Rooney was unequivocal in his assessment that the Egyptian superstar must contribute more in major fixtures. He pointed out that Bradley was left isolated against a formidable Doku, leading to a difficult afternoon for the Liverpool defender.
'He’s been one of the best players in the Premier League over the last six or seven years,' Rooney stated on the BBC. 'But in big games, you have to double up. You have to get back and help your teammate. Conor Bradley was having a really tough game today, to be left on his own... I think Salah has to come back and help his teammate.'
Rooney noted that midfielder Ryan Gravenberch attempted to provide support, but this created gaps elsewhere on the pitch, a problem that could have been mitigated with more defensive diligence from the forward line.
Controversial VAR Decision Denies Liverpool
The match featured a pivotal moment when a Virgil van Dijk header was disallowed by the officials. The goal, which would have levelled the score at 1-0, was ruled out after the linesman flagged Andy Robertson for being in an offside position.
VAR checked the incident and confirmed the decision, stating that Robertson was 'making an obvious action directly in front of the goalkeeper.'
Rooney, however, strongly disagreed with the call. 'Good movement and a really good header [from Van Dijk],' he said. 'Gianluigi Donnarumma can see the ball the whole way... There’s no impact from Robertson on the goal. Donnarumma has all his weight on his right foot, he dives as soon as Van Dijk heads the ball. He’s on his way. It’s a really good header and the goal should’ve stood for me.'
Title Race Implications and Rooney's Warning to Arsenal
The comprehensive victory for Pep Guardiola's side in his 1000th game as a manager sends a powerful message to the rest of the Premier League. Rooney believes the result and City's current form will be causing anxiety for table-toppers Arsenal.
'I think City’s performances over the last few weeks have been great,' Rooney added. 'I think Arsenal will be nervous, because City are coming up behind them. It’s happened the last few years to Arsenal – so with City and Pep Guardiola behind you, Arsenal will be nervous with City’s form.'
The performance from Jeremy Doku was a particular highlight for the champions, who now sit second in the table, with the winger causing constant problems for Liverpool's defence throughout the match at the Etihad.
