Liverpool Falls to Manchester United: Rooney Calls for a Change in Strikers
Wayne Rooney has suggested that Liverpool’s Alexander Isak should be benched in favor of Hugo Ekitike following Isak’s lackluster performance in Liverpool’s recent 2-1 loss to Manchester United. The match took place on Sunday, marking a disappointing moment for Liverpool.
Despite being chosen to start by Liverpool manager Arne Slot, Isak struggled to make a significant impact and squandered one of the best opportunities of the first half. He was unable to convert when he found himself one-on-one with goalkeeper Senne Lammens, whose save kept Liverpool off the scoreboard.
As a result, Isak has yet to score in his first four Premier League matches since his high-profile transfer to Liverpool from Newcastle for a record £125 million ($171 million) last month. His only goal for the club so far came during a Carabao Cup match against Southampton.
Rooney expressed his concerns on his BBC podcast, stating, “I wouldn’t play Isak. He hasn’t looked ready since coming from Newcastle. He hasn’t trained and hasn’t had a pre-season, which is crucial. While Newcastle were preparing for the season, he was likely preoccupied with his transfer.” He added, “It’s tough when you miss pre-season preparation, and based on his performance, he doesn’t deserve to start over Ekitike.”
Harry Maguire’s late header sealed Liverpool’s fate, marking their fourth consecutive defeat in all competitions. This defeat leaves Liverpool in fourth place in the Premier League, four points behind leaders Arsenal after eight matches.
Rooney went on to note the pressure mounting on Slot, who at 46 years old is experiencing the challenges of his first four-game losing streak in his career. “It seems like he’s becoming more animated on the touchline, which is unusual for him, indicating the pressure is beginning to show,” Rooney commented.
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