Wayne Rooney criticizes Mohamed Salah again after Liverpool’s defeat to Manchester City

Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney has renewed his criticism of Liverpool’s Egyptian star Mohamed Salah, pointing out that Salah has not fulfilled his defensive duties on the field.

Rooney’s comments came after Liverpool’s fifth league defeat of the season, losing to Manchester City, a result that extended their poor run with seven losses in ten matches and put them out of the English League Cup race as well.

Although Salah was prolific last season, this year he’s managed only four goals so far and has struggled to lift Liverpool’s misfiring attack. Rooney argued that Salah used to be excused from defensive work but left young right-back Conor Bradley exposed, especially up against City’s Jeremy Doku, who earned man of the match with a brilliant goal.

Rooney told the Mirror, “Salah is in the team to score or create goals and has been one of the league’s best for years, but in big matches, everyone needs to do more. You have to track back and help your teammates. Bradley was left isolated, and it’s unacceptable.” Rooney also noted that when things go well and you’re scoring, any lack of work isn’t noticed, but in bad spells, it shows on the pitch.

City’s defense also managed to keep Salah quiet in attack. Rooney’s latest remarks add to earlier criticism following Liverpool’s loss against Chelsea, where he questioned Salah’s defensive work rate and said his attacking influence alone is no longer enough.