“He doesn’t deserve to be playing” - Wayne Rooney hits out at Arne Slot’s decision to start Liverpool star in loss vs Manchester United

Manchester United's all-time leading goalscorer Wayne Rooney has criticized Liverpool boss Arne Slot for starting Alexander Isak in their 2-1 defeat to the Red Devils. The Sweden international featured but could not do anything to prevent his side from suffering a fourth defeat in succession on Sunday.

Rooney made his point on his podcast, The Wayne Rooney Show, where he questioned the logic behind Isak starting amid his continued struggles to find his best level. The England legend pointed out that Isak has looked off the pace since arriving at Anfield, and stated that Hugo Ekitike deserves to play ahead of him.

"I wouldn't play Isak, he hasn't looked ready since coming from Newcastle. He hasn't trained, hasn't had a pre-season. It's so important. While Newcastle were training he was probably sat at home on the phone to his agent for six hours a day trying to get a move. It's so difficult when you don't have a pre-season. He might've done stuff by himself but he's paying the price of it. On performances, he doesn't deserve to be playing ahead of Ekitike", he said (via Tribal Football).

The most expensive player in the history of British football, Alexander Isak joined Liverpool for £125 million in the summer after a lengthy standoff with Newcastle United. The Swede has since struggled to find his form, looking some way off the pace since he made his debut for Arne Slot's side.

Isak has managed just one goal, against Championship side Southampton in the Carabao Cup, since he joined the Premier League champions. He got 72 minutes of action against Manchester United and attempted only two shots, one of which was on target. The 26-year-old also failed to score in either of his games for Sweden during the international break this month.

Ekitike joined the Reds for around £79 million in the summer, as well, and scored five goals in his first eight appearances. He has been forced to start from the bench in each of his side's last two games against Chelsea and Manchester United while Isak has started both.

Manchester United claim Liverpool scalp with stunning Anfield showing

Manchester United shocked league champions Liverpool by claiming a 2-1 win at Anfield, handing them their first home defeat in over a year. The Reds suffered a fourth straight loss across all competitions, the first three of which came in away games before the international break earlier this month.

Spectators had barely settled into their seats when Bryan Mbeumo put the visitors ahead with just 62 seconds on the clock at Anfield. Arne Slot's side looked shell-shocked and failed to fully recover from that early setback until Cody Gakpo drew them level with a close-range effort in the 78th minute.

Manchester United had the final laugh in the game as Harry Maguire towered above everyone to head home a cross from Bruno Fernandes in the 84th minute. Liverpool failed to find a leveller, surrendering to their first home defeat to the Red Devils since 2016, and handing Ruben Amorim his first run of back-to-back wins as United boss.