Training? Liverpool 2-1 loss to Manchester United at Anfield on Sunday has intensified scrutiny on Alexander Isak, with Wayne Rooney suggesting the Swedish striker should be benched. Signed for a British-record 125 million pounds. So Isak was expected to transform Liverpool attack, but his impact so far has been minimal. The Football Insight, will discuss interesting information about today’s football, check out this discussion.
Manager Arne Slot chose to start Isak over Hugo Ekitike, leaving the Frenchman on the bench. However, Isak squandered a golden first-half chance when he went one-on-one with goalkeeper Senne Lammens, only to see his shot saved. The miss proved costly as United sealed victory with Harry Maguire’s late header. So extending Liverpool losing streak to four matches in all competitions.
Isak’s start to life at Anfield has been far from ideal. He has failed to score in four Premier League games, with his only goal coming in a Carabao Cup win over Southampton. The pressure is mounting for the 125 million pounds man to deliver.
Rooney Calls for Ekitike to Start Over Isak
Speaking on The Wayne Rooney Show podcast, the Manchester United legend didn’t hold back in his assessment. “I wouldn’t play Isak—he hasn’t looked ready since coming from Newcastle,” Rooney stated. He argued that Isak’s lack of a proper preseason is a major reason for his sluggish form.
According to Rooney, Isak’s long transfer saga disrupted his preparation. “While Newcastle were training, he was probably at home on the phone to his agent for six hours a day trying to get a move,” he said. “It’s so difficult when you don’t have a preseason. He might’ve done work on his own, but now he’s paying the price.”
Rooney added that based on current performances, Isak doesn’t deserve to start ahead of Ekitike. So who has shown more sharpness and hunger in training? His remarks have sparked debate among fans, with many agreeing that Ekitike’s energy could revitalize Liverpool struggling attack.
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Liverpool Form Under Pressure
The defeat to United leaves Liverpool fourth in the Premier League standings, four points behind leaders Arsenal. After a bright start to the season, Slot’s side has now lost momentum. So with four consecutive defeats exposing tactical and mental fragilities within the squad.
“They’ve become a bit complacent,” Rooney said. “For Arne Slot, you forget he’s still quite young—only 46—and this is the first time in his career he’s lost four in a row.” The dip in form has raised questions about Liverpool squad balance, particularly in attack, where Isak’s lack of goals has become a glaring issue.
Liverpool fans are growing anxious as the team’s rhythm under Slot begins to waver. The upcoming fixtures could prove decisive in determining whether the Reds can recover their early-season form or continue to slide down the table.
Slot Faces Growing Pressure to Find Solutions
Beyond individual performances, attention is turning to Arne Slot’s management. Rooney pointed out that the Dutchman’s frustrations were visible during the match, saying, “He was arguing with the officials on the touchline—I haven’t seen that from him before. You can tell the pressure is starting to show.”
Slot’s decision-making has come under the microscope, especially his persistence with Isak despite the striker’s poor form. Many believe a tactical reshuffle, potentially involving Ekitike or Darwin Nunez in the starting lineup, could inject fresh energy into Liverpool attack.
For now, the focus remains on how Slot responds. Will he continue to back his record signing or make the bold choice to bench Isak? Whatever his decision, Liverpool next match could define their early-season trajectory—and perhaps Isak’s future at the club. Also take advantage of your free time to explore more of the latest Premier League news with just one click at footballcoasters.co.uk.