Liverpool’s 2–1 loss to Manchester United at Anfield left fans stunned, but it was the post-match fallout that truly shook the football world.
In a heated reaction after the game, one of Liverpool’s most respected former players launched a blistering attack on Mohamed Salah, accusing the Egyptian star of being at the center of the team’s struggles.
Speaking live on television — in comments that quickly went viral — the visibly angry club legend didn’t hold back.
“I hate criticizing players publicly,” he began, “but Salah was a major problem tonight. He showed aggression, yes, but zero defensive responsibility.
Offensively, he offered nothing of value — every time he touched the ball, Liverpool lost their rhythm. He made the team worse and looked completely off it.”
The former player concluded with a brutal statement:
“Honestly, I don’t know what he’s still doing in this team. It was embarrassing to watch.”
The remarks immediately set social media ablaze, dividing the fanbase. Some agreed that Salah had been poor, while others fiercely defended one of Liverpool’s all-time greats.
On the field, Manchester United executed Rúben Amorim’s tactical plan to perfection. The Red Devils stayed compact, struck clinically, and punished every Liverpool mistake. Goals from Marcus Rashford and Bruno Fernandessealed a memorable victory — United’s first league win at Anfield in years.
Liverpool, on the other hand, looked disjointed and emotionally drained — and Salah’s off-night symbolized their wider struggles. From the opening minutes, his first touch was heavy, his pressing inconsistent, and his decision-making erratic.
Midway through the first half, he repeatedly lost possession, allowing United to launch dangerous counters. Miscommunication with Dominik Szoboszlai and Luis DĂaz further stifled Liverpool’s attacking flow.
The frustration peaked late in the game when Salah chose to shoot from a tight angle instead of passing to Darwin Núñez, who was better positioned — a moment that drew audible groans from the Anfield crowd.
While the criticism may sound harsh, it reflects growing concern over Salah’s dip in form. Despite leading Liverpool’s scoring charts this season, fans have noticed a visible decline in his sharpness and intensity.
Some attribute it to Arne Slot’s demanding system, which requires wingers to track back more, while others believe fatigue is finally catching up after years of relentless consistency.
Online, opinions remained split:
“Salah looks frustrated and off the pace,” one fan wrote.
“People forget he’s carried this club for years — he’s allowed a bad day,” another countered.
Neutral analysts also warned that publicly blaming Salah could harm team unity.
“Criticizing your best player on live TV helps no one,” said one pundit. “Liverpool need cohesion, not scapegoating.”
Inside sources reported uneasy tension in the dressing room after the match. Salah is said to have left early, avoiding team discussions. Manager Arne Slot later admitted his players lacked discipline and composure, promising a “tough week of training” and private talks with Salah to ease the tension.
The defeat drops Liverpool below Manchester United in the league table — a significant setback after their strong start to the campaign. With upcoming fixtures against Newcastle and Brentford, the pressure on Salah is intensifying.
If his struggles persist, younger players like Cody Gakpo and Harvey Elliott could challenge for his starting spot.
Though Salah remains a Liverpool legend, this controversy marks one of the most turbulent moments of his Anfield career.
How he responds — on and off the pitch — will determine whether this is just a temporary slump or the beginning of a new, difficult chapter.
For now, the words “embarrassing performance” linger in the air at Anfield — a stark reminder of how quickly football can turn from glory to scrutiny.
