Manchester United Legend Delivers Brutal Verdict on Liverpool Star
Wayne Rooney has made the explosive recommendation that Liverpool manager Arne Slot should drop Mohamed Salah from the starting lineup, claiming the Egyptian forward is "not helping them defensively" during the team's dramatic collapse in form.
The Manchester United icon delivered his stark assessment following Liverpool's humiliating 3-0 home defeat to Nottingham Forest, which has left their Premier League title defence in tatters. The Reds now sit a staggering 11 points behind league leaders Arsenal, with their championship hopes effectively ended before December.
Liverpool's Dramatic Collapse Under Pressure
Just months after winning the league in his debut season, Slot finds himself under immense pressure after losing six of Liverpool's last seven league games. The situation has become so dire that rumours are circulating about former manager Jurgen Klopp making a sensational return to Anfield to rescue the campaign.
While much criticism has focused on Slot's summer signings and tactical approach, Rooney believes the problems extend to the team's established stars, particularly Salah. The 33-year-old Egyptian King has managed just five goals and three assists in 17 games this season - a dramatic drop from his usual prolific standards.
Rooney didn't mince words during his appearance on The Wayne Rooney Show, stating: "Salah is not helping them defensively and if you're one of the players who they've signed and you're sat on the bench and you've seen him not running... I get that he's a club legend and everything he's done for the club, but if you're on the bench then what message does it send to you?"
The Case for Dropping a Legend
The former England captain was unequivocal when asked if Slot should take the bold step of benching his star player. "I think so, yeah," Rooney confirmed. "When you're not winning games, you want to try and stay compact and hard to beat. So I think while they're going through this period, 100 per cent he needs to make a decision."
Rooney emphasised that every player needs to contribute defensively during this crisis period, suggesting that dropping Salah would send a powerful message to the entire squad. He proposed that once Liverpool rediscover their winning form, Salah could be reintegrated into the team with renewed defensive commitment.
Some analysts have suggested that Salah's dramatic dip in form, both offensively and defensively, might be linked to Trent Alexander-Arnold's departure to Real Madrid. The Egyptian has appeared to struggle with Slot's constant rotation of right-backs, disrupting their established partnership.
Neville Backs Defensive Overhaul
Rooney isn't alone in his assessment of Liverpool's problems. His former Manchester United teammate Gary Neville has also called for significant changes, particularly in defence. The Sky Sports pundit suggested that forgotten defender Joe Gomez should return to the lineup to provide greater stability.
Neville stated on The Gary Neville Podcast: "The manager has to change the style or the system, and he has to help them. It means being more solid at the back and I'm talking about personnel changes. Milos Kerkez is struggling, Ibrahima Konate is struggling."
He proposed adopting a strategy similar to Arsenal and Manchester City by playing four centre-backs in a narrow, compact defensive unit, with Gomez at right-back and Andy Robertson returning at left-back.
All eyes now turn to Wednesday night's Champions League clash against PSV at Anfield, where Slot must decide whether to take the advice of football's most vocal critics or stick with his underperforming superstar.
