Liverpool left Anfield after a 2-1 defeat at Manchester United – stretching their losing streak to four games and prompting a sharper focus on Mohamed Salah’s place in the starting XI. Former defender Jamie Carragher openly questioned whether the 33-year-old forward deserved automatic inclusion after the result. In this high-profile competition, Salah’s difficulties in front of goal persisted, he added another chapter in a disappointing season for Liverpool.
Carragher’s post-match assessment sharpened the conversation surrounding Salah’s recent spell and highlighted the forward’s continued barren run – seven games without scoring from open play. A missed opportunity in the United game made it difficult to control as Salah is having one of his least productive spells in years. Speaking to Sky Sports, Carragher stressed that Salah’s current performance, especially away from Anfield, does not justify his undisputed place in the squad.
“Liverpool have two away games – in the Champions League in Frankfurt and then they go to Brentford. I don’t think Salah should start both of those games,” Carragher told Sky Sports.
“He should always start at Anfield because Liverpool will be on top, on the edge of the last 16 and they score more often in those situations today.
“But I think in away games and helping your full-back, Salah shouldn’t start every game right now, certainly away from home, with the form he’s in.”
The Egyptian’s goal slump has played out in line with Liverpool’s wider woes. This current run of losses – defeats against Crystal Palace, Chelsea, Galatasaray and now United – has followed a £446m summer overhaul of the squad.
Carragher went further and urged manager Arne Slota to prioritize new signings Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz – highlighting their youth and the club’s significant spending.
“It has to be Isak and Wirtz because they spent money on them and their age profile compared to Salah,” Carragher said.
The upcoming matches put Liverpool under further scrutiny. A Champions League meeting with Frankfurt and an away visit to Brentford follow, which will test the manager’s readiness to make significant changes to the squad. The question of Salah’s regular inclusion is now at the center of these decisions.
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Published on:
October 20, 2025
