Liverpool’s 2–1 defeat to Manchester United at Anfield stunned fans and pundits alike, but what unfolded after the final whistle sent even greater shockwaves through the football community.
In a fiery post-match reaction, one of Liverpool’s most respected former players delivered a scathing critique of Mohamed Salah, accusing the Egyptian forward of being at the heart of Liverpool’s problems during the clash.
During a live television interview that rapidly spread across social media, the club legend visibly furious unleashed an unfiltered tirade that has since divided opinion among supporters.
“I don’t enjoy calling players out publicly,” he began, “but Salah was a huge problem tonight. He played with aggression but lacked any defensive responsibility.
Offensively, he contributed nothing of real value. Every time he touched the ball, Liverpool lost rhythm. He made the team worse and looked completely off pace.”
The ex-player ended his assessment with an even harsher statement: “I honestly don’t know what he’s still doing in this team. It was embarrassing to watch.”
Those comments immediately went viral, igniting a fierce debate among fans. Some agreed that Salah’s performance was below par, while others rushed to defend the club’s long-time talisman.
On the pitch, Manchester United executed their tactical plan perfectly under Rúben Amorim. United’s compact shape and clinical finishing punished Liverpool’s every lapse in concentration.
Marcus Rashford and Bruno Fernandes both found the net, sealing a memorable win for the visitors.
Liverpool, meanwhile, appeared disorganized and emotionally flat and Salah’s struggles epitomized their wider issues.
From the opening whistle, Salah looked uncharacteristically unsettled. His first touch was poor, his pressing inconsistent, and his decision-making erratic.
Midway through the first half, he gave away possession several times, allowing United to launch dangerous counter-attacks.
Miscommunication with Dominik Szoboszlai and Luis Díaz repeatedly broke down Liverpool’s attacking momentum.
The frustration peaked late in the match when Salah opted to shoot from a tight angle instead of passing to Darwin Núñez, who was in a better position.
The crowd’s audible groans captured the mood at Anfield a mixture of disappointment and disbelief.
Though the criticism may seem harsh, it reflects growing unease over Salah’s recent dip in form. Despite being Liverpool’s top scorer this season, many fans have noticed a drop in his intensity and sharpness.
Some blame Arne Slot’s tactical system, which demands more defensive work from wingers, while others think fatigue is catching up after years of relentless performances.
Online, opinions were split. One supporter wrote, “Salah’s body language says it all he’s frustrated, sloppy, and not pressing like he used to.” Another countered, “People forget he’s carried this team for years. He’s earned the right to have an off day.”
Even neutral pundits cautioned against the public criticism, warning it could damage team unity. “Calling out your best player live on TV helps no one,” one analyst commented. “Liverpool need togetherness, not finger-pointing.”
Reports from inside the dressing room suggested tension lingered after the match. Salah reportedly left the locker room early, avoiding extended discussions with teammates.
Manager Arne Slot admitted his side lacked discipline and composure, promising “a hard week ahead” in training. He is expected to hold private talks with Salah to defuse the situation before their next fixture.
The defeat leaves Liverpool trailing Manchester United in the Premier League standings a harsh blow after a strong start to the campaign.
With difficult matches against Newcastle and Brentford on the horizon, the pressure on Salah is mounting.
Should his struggles continue, younger players like Cody Gakpo and Harvey Elliott could push for his spot in the starting lineup.
Though Salah remains a Liverpool legend, this controversy marks one of the most turbulent moments of his Anfield career.
His response in the coming weeks will determine whether this is just a temporary slump or the beginning of a difficult new chapter.
For now, the stinging words “embarrassing performance” continue to echo through Anfield, serving as a painful reminder of football’s brutal highs and lows.
