Carragher urges Slot to rest Salah amid Liverpool struggles
Liverpool’s disappointing defeat to Manchester United has prompted strong words from Jamie Carragher, who believes Mohamed Salah should no longer be considered an automatic starter. Following the 2-1 loss at Anfield, Carragher has called for manager Arne Slot to make a bold selection choice as the Reds face a crucial week in Europe and the Premier League.
Salah’s form sparks major talking point
Liverpool’s performance against United was lacklustre, and Salah’s recent dip in form has become increasingly difficult to ignore. Despite dominating possession for long spells, Slot’s side lacked sharpness in the final third. Salah, who squandered two significant chances, has now gone seven Premier League games without scoring from open play — his longest drought since joining the club in 2017.
Manchester United stunned the Anfield crowd early on through Bryan Mbeumo’s strike after just over a minute. Cody Gakpo equalised late in the second half, but Harry Maguire’s header from a Bruno Fernandes cross sealed United’s first win at Anfield in nearly a decade. It was a damaging blow for a Liverpool side already under scrutiny following a run of inconsistent performances.
Carragher’s message to Slot
Speaking after the match, Carragher said he believes it may be time for Slot to take Salah out of the firing line. “We’re at that stage now where Mo Salah shouldn’t be guaranteed a start every week,” he said on The Gary Neville Podcast. “This is a genuine conundrum for the manager. He has to think about balance and energy, especially away from home.”
Carragher later expanded on his comments in the Sky Sports studio, insisting that Salah should not be treated as untouchable. “He’s not like a Virgil van Dijk figure where his name automatically goes on the teamsheet. Liverpool have two tough away fixtures coming up — in the Champions League against Eintracht Frankfurt and then away to Brentford in the league. I don’t think he should start both of those.”
The former Liverpool defender believes Salah should still feature prominently at Anfield, where the team play on the front foot and create more chances in attacking areas. But Carragher argued that away matches require more defensive contribution and discipline from wide players — areas where Salah has been less effective recently.
Balancing reputation with performance
When asked how Salah might react to being dropped, Carragher was direct. “Would he be okay with that? Probably not,” he admitted. “But at some point, age and form come into it. When you’re not scoring and not influencing games like before, it’s hard to argue your case.”
Salah’s reputation as one of Liverpool’s greatest-ever forwards is unquestioned, but his current form has raised doubts about how Slot will manage his minutes as the season progresses. With younger attackers such as Cody Gakpo and Luis Díaz showing flashes of form, there may be pressure to rotate the Egyptian to restore freshness both physically and mentally.
Slot faces early test of authority
For Slot, this is an early test of his decision-making at a club where player management is under constant scrutiny. Resting a player of Salah’s stature would be a statement, but it could also prove beneficial if it reignites his hunger and sharpness ahead of a demanding winter schedule.
Liverpool’s next fixtures against Eintracht Frankfurt and Brentford will reveal whether Slot is prepared to follow Carragher’s advice — and whether Salah can respond in a way that reaffirms his enduring influence at Anfield.
