Man Utd Legend Wayne Rooney Explains What's Gone Wrong for Mohamed Salah at Liverpool

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·5 de octubre de 2025

Man Utd Legend Wayne Rooney Explains What's Gone Wrong for Mohamed Salah at Liverpool

Interview

Liverpool legend believes midfield changes and new signings have disrupted the Egyptian star’s rhythm

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Man Utd Legend Wayne Rooney Explains What's Gone Wrong for Mohamed Salah at Liverpool

Wayne Rooney's offered his view on Mohamed Salah’s surprising drop in form this season as the Liverpool forward continues to struggle for consistency under Arne Slot.

A rare slump for Salah

Salah's found the net only three times this season (against Bournemouth, Atletico Madrid and Burnley) and has now gone 4 consecutive games without scoring.

His quiet display in the 2 - 1 defeat to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Saturday drew further criticism from fans & pundits alike.

The loss pushed Liverpool down to second in the Premier League table with 15 point, one behind leaders Arsenal.

Rooney: Midfield shift hurt Salah’s influence

Speaking on Match of the Day, former Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney explained that tactical changes in Liverpool’s midfield have affected Salah’s output.

"Last season Liverpool were consistent especially in midfield. The three worked in harmony and made it very hard to play against. That structure helped Salah a lot" Rooney said.

"This season, they’ve played with only 2 in midfield & Wirtz ahead of them. They went back to a three yesterday but it’s been unfamiliar and it’s taking longer to fix than expected"

Rooney believes the loss of balance in midfield has limited Salah’s freedom and made Liverpool less cohesive both defensively & offensively.

Isak’s arrival adds new pressure

Rooney also noted that Salah may not be pleased with the spotlight shifting toward Liverpool’s new signing, Alexander Isak who joined from Newcastle in record deal.

"Even though Salah has been the best player at Liverpool for years, he won’t be happy that Isak's getting the attention" Rooney told BBC Radio 5 Live.

"When we signed Carlos Tevez at United, I used to think, 'He’s not taking my place' That kind of competition can lift your performance"

Isak made his Premier League debut as substitute in the 2 - 1 win over Everton and is expected to be eased into Slot’s system over the next few weeks.