Jamie Carragher demands Liverpool star is dropped after shambolic performance in Man United defeat

Jack Otway

By Jack Otway


Published: 20/10/2025

- 07:41

The Reds lost their fourth game in a row on Sunday, with Harry Maguire heading Ruben Amorim's side to a famous victory at Anfield

Jamie Carragher believes Mohamed Salah should be dropped by Liverpool following his flat performance in Sunday's nightmare 2-1 defeat to Manchester United at Anfield.

The Egypt international has been nothing short of sensational for the Reds ever since arriving back in 2017, having scored 248 goals in 412 matches.


However, since the start of the new season, Salah has looked a shadow of his usual self.

The 33-year-old has netted just three times from 11 appearances, with his downturn in form coinciding with Liverpool's own dramatic dip.

Arne Slot's men initially started the season well, with many expecting them to win the Premier League title for the second year in a row.

But Sunday's defeat to United followed losses to Crystal Palace, Galatasary and Chelsea - with pressure mounting as a result.

Now, speaking after the fixture on Merseyside, Carragher has called for Slot to do the unthinkable by dropping Salah.

"It's a real conundrum for the manager and what he'll do. It's interesting that he brought him off," said the Liverpool legend.

Jamie Carragher believes Mohamed Salah should be dropped by Liverpool following his flat performance in Sunday's nightmare 2-1 defeat to Manchester United at Anfield

Jamie Carragher believes Mohamed Salah should be dropped by Liverpool following his flat performance in Sunday's nightmare 2-1 defeat to Manchester United at Anfield

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SKYSPORTS

"Jurgen Klopp used to bring him off a lot, that shows you in years gone by Mo Salah could have a poor game and be brought off even if he had a bit of extra energy and sharpness.

"We're at a stage now with Mo Salah where he shouldn't be playing every game, it shouldn't be a case of 'he's the first name on the team sheet'.

"It should be a case of 'yes, he's in your best team, he plays home games', but maybe you have to think about Liverpool have two away games, one in Europe, one at Brentford - I don't think he plays in both of them.

"We're at that stage now where Mo Salah shouldn't be a guaranteed starter next week."

Gary Neville, also speaking following the match, also raised questions over Salah's form.

"There are questions being asked about him, whether it's his age, whether it's one season too many," said the former United star.

"But the strange thing in watching Salah is usually a player getting towards the end of his career, what you notice is the physical decline.

"I'm not seeing a physical decline - some of his sprints look quite sharp, he looks busy in the box.

Mohamed Salah Liverpool Man United

Mohamed Salah wasn't at the races as Liverpool lost to Manchester United on Sunday

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REUTERS

"But crazy things like the ball comes to the back post... his technique on his kicking and his crossing, that's the thing that looks well off.

"There were a couple of moments today at the back post where you're thinking, 'that's not Mo Salah'.

"He had that moment where he dragged it really ugly towards the left of the post. That's just his technique.

"Mo Salah could probably play until he's 52 and have good technique, so that's the bit that's surprising me, the technical bit."

Mohamed Salah

Mohamed Salah was hooked by Arne Slot with Liverpool needing a goal against Manchester United

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REUTERS

Salah's contract at Liverpool had previously been due to expire at the end of last season.

However, after a protracted saga, he ended up signing a two-year extension despite links to the Saudi Pro League.

Salah produced the goods last term as Liverpool won the title for the first time since 2020, bagging 29 goals from 38 league appearances.

Harry Maguire

Harry Maguire scored a dramatic late winner for Manchester United against Liverpool on Sunday

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REUTERS

This season, however, he's regressed dramatically.

Salah isn't the only attacking player who is struggling for Liverpool, with big-money signings Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz yet to make an impact.

Isak drew a blank against United, while Wirtz came off the bench with the Reds desperately chasing a goal to turn the fixture around.