Rooney Critiques Isak’s Performance as Man United Defeats Liverpool 1-2 at Anfield

Rooney Questions Liverpool‘s Forward Selection After United Loss

Published: October 20, 2025, 02:52 AM ET

London, United Kingdom – Former England Captain Wayne Rooney has voiced his concerns regarding liverpool’s attacking options following their 2-1 defeat against Manchester United on Sunday. The football legend believes a change in the starting eleven is warranted, specifically advocating for Hugo Ekitike to replace Alexander Isak in the forward line.

Isak’s Slow Start at Liverpool

Liverpool Manager Arne Slot initially selected Alexander Isak to lead the attack, but the Swedish international failed to capitalize on a crucial one-on-one prospect with manchester united goalkeeper Senne Lammens. This performance adds to Isak’s challenging start with the club.He has yet to score in four Premier League appearances since his recent British-record transfer from Newcastle, valued at £125 million ($171m).

Isak’s only goal for Liverpool thus far came in a 2-1 victory against Southampton in the Carabao Cup. Rooney, speaking on his BBC podcast, ‘The Wayne Rooney Show,’ stated that Isak appears “not ready” since joining Liverpool.

Rooney’s Critique and Preseason Impact

Rooney emphasized the importance of preseason training, suggesting isak’s lack of planning is impacting his performance. He speculated that Isak’s focus may have been diverted during the transfer period, perhaps hindering his physical and tactical readiness. “he hasn’t trained, hasn’t had a preseason,” Rooney explained. “It’s so meaningful. while Newcastle were training he was probably sat at home on the phone to his agent for six hours a day trying to get a move.”

The former Manchester United star believes Ekitike deserves a starting position based on current performances.”On performances, he doesn’t deserve to be playing ahead of Ekitike,” Rooney asserted.

Liverpool’s Recent Struggles and Managerial Pressure

this defeat marks Liverpool’s fourth consecutive loss across all competitions,leaving them in fourth place in the Premier League,four points behind league leaders Arsenal after eight games. Rooney also noted a shift in Arne Slot’s demeanor, observing the manager engaging in heated discussions with officials during the match against Manchester United – a behavior Rooney hadn’t witnessed before.

“They’ve got a bit complacent,” Rooney added. “for Arne Slot, you forget because he won the Premier league, but he’s still quite young — 46 years of age and this was the first time he has lost four in a row in his career.

here’s a speedy overview of Liverpool’s recent form:

Date	Competition	Opponent	Result
October 13, 2025	Premier League	Brighton & Hove Albion	0-1 Loss
October 17, 2025	Europa League	Atalanta	1-2 Loss
October 20, 2025	Premier League	Manchester United	1-2 Loss

Did You Know? The £125 million transfer fee for Alexander Isak makes him the most expensive player in Liverpool’s history, surpassing the previous record held by Virgil van Dijk.

Pro Tip: A strong preseason is often a critical factor in a player’s success when joining a new club, allowing them to integrate into the team’s tactics and build fitness.

What do you think? Should Arne slot adjust his starting lineup,and is it too early to judge alexander Isak’s impact at Liverpool? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

The Importance of Preseason Training

A extensive preseason is widely recognized as a cornerstone of success in professional football. It allows players to build stamina, refine tactical understanding, and develop cohesion with their new teammates. Players joining a new club often face a steeper learning curve without adequate preseason preparation.

Studies have shown a correlation between clubs with robust preseason programs and improved performance throughout the season. This isn’t merely anecdotal; the physical and mental benefits of a thorough preseason are well-documented in sports science literature. (National Library of Medicine)

Frequently Asked Questions about Alexander Isak and Liverpool

• What is Alexander Isak’s current goal drought? Alexander Isak has not scored in his first four Premier League appearances for liverpool.
• How much did liverpool pay for Alexander Isak? Liverpool paid a British-record £125 million ($171m) for Alexander Isak.
• What did Wayne Rooney say about Alexander Isak? Wayne Rooney stated that Isak doesn’t appear ready and hasn’t trained properly since joining Liverpool.
• Why is preseason training critically important for new players? Preseason training is crucial for building fitness,learning tactics,and integrating with the team.
• What is Liverpool’s current league position? Liverpool is currently in fourth place in the Premier League.
• Has Arne slot faced losing streaks before? This is the first time Arne Slot has experienced four consecutive defeats in his managerial career.

Share this article and let us know your thoughts on Liverpool’s current form and Rooney’s assessment!

What specific aspects of Isak’s game, according to Rooney, need improvement to elevate him to a world-class striker?

Match Recap: A Dramatic Anfield Clash

Manchester United secured a stunning 1-2 victory against Liverpool at Anfield on October 20, 2025, in a Premier League match filled with drama and tactical intrigue. The result marks a significant win for Erik ten Hag’s side, bolstering their position in the league table.While the Red Devils celebrated,former United legend Wayne Rooney offered a critical assessment of Liverpool’s forward,Alexander Isak,highlighting areas were the Swedish international fell short. The game saw goals from Marcus Rashford and a late winner from Bruno Fernandes, sandwiching a Mohamed Salah equalizer.

Rooney’s Specific Criticisms of Isak

Speaking post-match on Sky Sports, Rooney pinpointed Isak’s lack of consistent involvement in the build-up play as a key factor in Liverpool’s defeat. He stated that Isak, while possessing undeniable pace and finishing ability, needed to offer more to the team beyond simply waiting for opportunities in the box.

Here’s a breakdown of rooney’s key points:

* Limited Link-Up Play: Rooney observed that Isak often appeared isolated, failing to effectively connect with Liverpool’s midfielders and wingers. This hampered their attacking fluidity.

* Off-the-Ball Movement: The former England captain suggested isak’s runs weren’t always incisive enough,making it challenging for teammates to find him in perilous positions.He emphasized the importance of clever movement to create space and disrupt the opposition’s defense.

* Pressing Intensity: Rooney noted a lack of consistent pressing from Isak, allowing United’s defenders more time on the ball and hindering Liverpool’s attempts to win back possession quickly.

* Missed Opportunities: While not dwelling on specific missed chances, Rooney alluded to moments where Isak could have made better decisions in front of goal, potentially altering the game’s outcome.

Isak’s Stats vs. Manchester United: A Closer Look

Analyzing Isak’s performance data from the match supports some of Rooney’s observations. While he completed 85% of his passes, many were short, sideways passes, indicating a reluctance to drive forward or play risky balls. He attempted only two dribbles,completing none,and won just 33% of his duels.

Key Stats:

* Goals: 0

* Shots: 2 (1 on target)

* Pass Completion: 85%

* Key Passes: 0

* Duels Won: 33%

* Distance Covered: 8.7km

These statistics suggest a relatively quiet afternoon for Isak, reinforcing the narrative that he wasn’t as impactful as Liverpool would have hoped. Comparing these stats to his season average highlights a dip in performance against a well-organized Manchester United defense.

the Tactical Battle: How United Neutralized Isak

Erik ten Hag’s tactical setup played a crucial role in limiting isak’s effectiveness. United deployed a compact defensive shape, denying Isak space to run in behind and forcing him to drop deep to receive the ball.

Here’s how United countered Isak:

1. Double-Teaming: When Isak did receive the ball, United often deployed two players to close him down quickly, preventing him from turning and driving at goal.
2. Midfield Block: Casemiro and Kobbie Mainoo effectively shielded the defense,intercepting passes intended for Isak and disrupting Liverpool’s build-up play.
3. High Defensive Line (Controlled): While playing a relatively high line, United’s defenders were disciplined and fast to react, preventing Isak from exploiting any gaps.
4. Wing Play Focus: United focused their attacks on Liverpool’s fullbacks, knowing that this would draw defenders away from the central areas where Isak operated.

Isak’s Overall Season Performance & Future Potential

Despite the criticism following the Anfield defeat, Alexander Isak has generally enjoyed a strong season for Liverpool. he has established himself as a key attacking threat, scoring consistently and demonstrating his ability to both finish chances and create opportunities for others.

* Current League Goals: 7 (as of October 20, 2025)

* Assist Record: 3

* Shot Conversion Rate: 28%

however, Rooney’s critique serves as a reminder that Isak still has areas of his game he can improve. Developing his link-up play, enhancing his off-the-ball movement, and increasing his pressing intensity will be crucial for him to reach his full potential and become a truly world-class striker.

The Wider Implications for Liverpool & Man United

This result has significant implications for both clubs. For Liverpool, it represents a setback in their title ambitions and raises questions about their ability to break down well-organized defenses. For Manchester United, it’s a confidence-boosting win that demonstrates their potential to compete with the league’s best teams. The performance of key players like Rashford and Fernandes will be vital as they continue their campaign. The tactical battle between Klopp and Ten Hag continues to be a fascinating subplot in the Premier League narrative.