Liverpool suffered a 2–1 loss against Manchester United at Anfield, extending their losing streak to four games and raising questions about Mohamed Salah’s place in the starting lineup. Jamie Carragher, a former defender, publicly doubted whether the 33-year-old forward should automatically start. Salah struggled to find the net in the match, contributing to Liverpool’s recent string of disappointing results.
Carragher’s analysis after the game highlighted Salah’s ongoing goal drought, having gone seven games without scoring from open play. The missed chances against United intensified the scrutiny on Salah, who is experiencing one of his least productive periods in years. Carragher suggested that Salah’s current performance, particularly in away games, does not warrant a guaranteed spot in the team.
“Liverpool have upcoming away fixtures in the Champions League against Frankfurt and Brentford. I don’t believe Salah should feature in both of those matches,” Carragher stated on Sky Sports.
“While he should always start at Anfield where Liverpool dominates, his form away from home doesn’t justify a continuous starting role,” Carragher added.
Salah’s dip in goal-scoring form aligns with Liverpool’s broader struggles. The team’s recent defeats against Crystal Palace, Chelsea, Galatasaray, and Manchester United have followed a significant summer investment of 446 million pounds to revamp the squad.
Carragher recommended that manager Arne Slot prioritize new signings Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz due to their youth and the club’s substantial investment in them.
The upcoming matches against Frankfurt in the Champions League and Brentford away will test Liverpool’s willingness to make significant changes to the lineup. The decision regarding Salah’s regular inclusion is now a focal point for the team’s upcoming fixtures.