Rooney: Isak doesn’t deserve to start ahead of Ekitike at Liverpool

Former England and Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney has criticised Alexander Isak’s form, insisting the Swedish forward has not done enough to merit a starting role ahead of Hugo Ekitike at Liverpool, Sport360NG reports.

Isak, who joined the Reds from Newcastle United in September for a British-record £125m fee, has managed just one goal, in the League Cup, across seven appearances in all competitions. The 25-year-old endured another frustrating outing in Sunday’s 2-0 defeat to Manchester United at Anfield, his third consecutive Premier League start without finding the net.

In contrast, Ekitike has been far more productive, scoring four times this season, three of those in league matches, despite featuring mostly from the bench.

“I wouldn’t start Isak, he hasn’t looked ready since arriving from Newcastle,” Rooney said on The Wayne Rooney Show. “He didn’t have a pre-season, and that makes a huge difference. While Newcastle were training, he was probably at home on the phone to his agent trying to sort his transfer. That lack of preparation is showing now.

“He might have done a bit of work on his own, but he’s paying the price for missing that base. On current performances, he doesn’t deserve to play ahead of Ekitike.”

Liverpool’s loss to United was their fourth consecutive defeat in all competitions, their worst run since November 2014.

Although the Reds began the season with seven straight wins after claiming the Premier League title last term, their performances have lacked the consistency that characterised last year’s success.

“They’ve become a bit complacent,” Rooney added. “Arne Slot is still relatively young at 46, and this is the first time in his career he’s lost four in a row. You could see the pressure, even arguing with officials on the touchline, which we hadn’t seen from him before.”

Salah’s Struggles Continue

Rooney also expressed concern over Mohamed Salah’s recent dip in form. The Egyptian forward, whom Rooney described as “one of the top five players in Premier League history,” has failed to replicate his usual impact this season after scoring 29 goals in Liverpool’s title-winning campaign.

Salah, who has scored 16 goals in 17 previous appearances against United, was largely anonymous in Sunday’s defeat and has looked short of his best in recent weeks.

“Salah has carried the pressure for years as Liverpool’s main man,” Rooney said. “He’s played a lot of games and it might finally be catching up with him. He’s been incredible to watch, but sometimes that workload takes its toll.”

Although Salah ended speculation about his future by signing a new two-year deal in April, Rooney believes the 32-year-old could still seek a move away next summer.

“There was talk of him leaving before, and even with the new contract, I wouldn’t be surprised if he goes in the summer,” he said. “He’s been a fantastic player for Liverpool, but time catches up with everyone.”

Amorim’s Anfield Boost

Manchester United’s victory marked their first at Anfield since 2016, easing the pressure on manager Ruben Amorim.

Despite enduring a difficult start to life at Old Trafford, Amorim’s side climbed to ninth place following the win, just two points behind fourth-placed Liverpool.

“It’s a huge result for him,” Rooney said. “I’ve criticised decisions, tactics, and players’ attitude in the past, but he got everything right this time. Winning at Anfield is massive, hopefully this is the turning point. They’re only two points off Liverpool now, and if they can produce that level consistently, they’ll be right back in the mix.”