Rooney Rages After Anfield Defeat: “He Shouldn’t Even Be Playing!”
Manchester United icon Wayne Rooney has unleashed fierce criticism on Liverpool boss Arne Slot, blaming him directly for the Reds’ 2–1 home loss to Manchester United at Anfield.
Speaking in his post-match analysis, Rooney appeared frustrated with Liverpool’s display and baffled by Slot’s tactical setup — particularly his decision to start Alexander Isak, whose form has dipped in recent weeks.
In a blunt assessment, the former England captain didn’t mince words:
“Arne Slot is the reason Liverpool lost today. Starting Isak was a huge mistake. A top manager wouldn’t even have him on the bench right now — not until he finds his form again.”
Rooney’s comments quickly went viral, sparking heated debate online. Many fans agreed that Isak’s inclusion disrupted Liverpool’s rhythm and cost them control in one of their most important fixtures of the season.
Rooney Tears Into Slot’s Team Selection
According to Rooney, Slot’s decision to start Isak — despite obvious signs of fatigue and poor confidence — was a costly gamble.
He accused the Liverpool manager of showing loyalty instead of making merit-based choices.
“Slot and Isak together took Liverpool apart today,” Rooney said.
“You can’t pick players because of their name. You pick them for form. Isak looked disinterested, lacked energy, and his body language told the whole story.”
Having experienced the fierce rivalry between Liverpool and United firsthand, Rooney said the Reds’ lack of intensity stemmed from poor selections rather than tactics.
“It wasn’t just strategy — it was mentality. When your striker looks lost, the entire team suffers. That’s what we saw.”
Isak’s Disastrous Display
It was a night to forget for Alexander Isak.
The Swedish forward looked isolated, failed to connect with Mohamed Salah or Darwin Núñez, and didn’t register a single shot on target.
With only 17 completed passes — among the lowest on the pitch — frustration grew among fans as he repeatedly lost possession in key areas.
By the time he was substituted, parts of Anfield were already booing.
Rooney’s criticism echoed what many supporters were thinking.
“I don’t know what Slot was watching,” Rooney said. “He’s trying to force Isak into a system that clearly doesn’t fit. The lad’s low on confidence — and that hurts both him and the team.”
Slot Defends His Call
After the game, Arne Slot stood by his decision to start Isak, saying the striker “has the quality to change matches” and just needs belief.
“We trust Isak,” Slot explained. “He’s been training well, and I thought this was the right moment to start him. We win and lose as a team.”
But critics weren’t convinced.
Pundits, including former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher, questioned the timing of the experiment.
“This wasn’t the game to test confidence,” Carragher said. “You can’t carry underperforming players in a high-pressure fixture like this. United punished every mistake.”
Fan Backlash: “Drop Him Now!”
Following Rooney’s outburst, Liverpool fans flooded social media demanding Isak be dropped.
Many argued that his poor form has been obvious for weeks and that Slot’s persistence is damaging the team.
One fan wrote:
“Rooney’s right. Isak’s been a passenger. If Slot doesn’t fix this soon, we’ll keep losing points.”
Another added:
“Every time Isak starts, we lose momentum. Slot needs to wake up.”
Others turned their anger toward the manager:
“You can’t play someone into form when they’re this off. This defeat is on Slot.”
Liverpool’s Attacking Struggles Continue
The defeat once again highlighted Liverpool’s ongoing inconsistency in attack.
Despite a talented forward line, they’ve lacked chemistry, sharpness, and finishing power in key moments.
Analysts suggest Slot’s constant tactical changes may be preventing players from building partnerships.
Isak, in particular, has struggled with being moved between positions in Slot’s evolving 4-2-3-1 formation.
Rooney summed up what many believe:
“At a club like Liverpool, you can’t afford to guess. You pick players in form — simple as that. Slot got it wrong, and it cost them.”
Isak’s Future in Doubt?
With fan patience wearing thin, questions are now being asked about Isak’s future at the club.
If his form doesn’t improve soon, Liverpool could seek attacking reinforcements in January — or consider a loan move to help him rebuild confidence.
Rooney didn’t hold back:
“Liverpool need fighters, not passengers. If Isak can’t step up, someone else will.”
Conclusion: A Warning for Slot and Isak
Wayne Rooney’s brutal comments have turned the spotlight on both Arne Slot and Alexander Isak.
While this loss might be just one game, it exposed bigger problems — tactical indecision, shaky confidence, and poor squad management.
Unless Slot rethinks his selections and Isak finds form quickly, the pressure will only grow.
“He doesn’t deserve to be playing,” Rooney said. “And until Slot sees that, Liverpool will keep paying the price.”
