Former Manchester United striker calls for bold action as Liverpool falter in Premier League

Liverpool legend Mohamed Salah is facing scrutiny after another goalless performance in the Premier League, with former Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney suggesting that manager Arne Slot may need to make a “big decision” to shake up the team.

Liverpool suffered a 3-0 home defeat to Nottingham Forest, continuing a worrying run that has left the Reds 11th in the Premier League table, with just 18 points from 12 games. Salah, 33, who has scored five times this season, failed to record a goal or assist in the match, raising questions about his defensive contribution and overall impact.

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Rooney Calls for Bold Action

Speaking on his podcast, Rooney said:
“If I was Slot, I’d try and make a big decision just so it has an impact on the rest of the team. Salah is not helping them defensively.”

He added that the presence of Salah on the pitch, while a club legend, could send the wrong message to squad members on the bench:
“If you’re one of the players they’ve signed and you’re on the bench and you’ve seen him not running – and again he’s a club legend and everything he’s done for the club – what message does that send?”

Rooney also pointed to the lingering effects of injuries in the squad, such as Diogo Jota’s absence, which he believes may be affecting the morale and intensity of Liverpool’s attacking unit. However, he emphasized that these factors are no excuse for a lack of effort:
“There’s no excuse for not fighting and not tackling.”

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Salah’s Record and Expectations

Last season, Salah became the first player in Premier League history to finish a season leading in both goals and assists while also winning the Player of the Season award. His exceptional form coincided with Arne Slot’s debut season, which saw Liverpool win the title after Jurgen Klopp’s departure in 2024.

Despite the summer acquisitions of Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak for a combined £241 million, Liverpool have struggled to maintain their high standards, highlighting the pressures on Slot to regain form and cohesion.

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Klopp’s Shadow Looms Over Slot

With Liverpool securing just one win in their last seven league matches, the shadow of former manager Jurgen Klopp continues to hang over the team. Rooney highlighted the parallels with other managerial transitions, such as David Moyes and Louis van Gaal following Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United:
“The big thing is when he has a run of results like this, Klopp’s name keeps getting brought up… Liverpool fans need to move away from that and get behind him.”

Captain Virgil van Dijk has also acknowledged the team’s responsibility following the Nottingham Forest defeat, emphasizing the collective accountability of players.

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What This Means for Liverpool

Liverpool face a critical period as they attempt to climb the Premier League table. Slot must address issues with player performance, defensive lapses, and attacking efficiency. Salah’s role may be reviewed to ensure the squad responds positively, while fans are being urged to support the manager despite ongoing comparisons to Klopp.

With the January transfer window approaching, further squad adjustments could also play a part in reshaping Liverpool’s campaign.