Gary Lineker has suggested that Mohamed Salah may have felt aggrieved with Liverpool manager Arne Slot following his substitution in their 2-1 defeat to Manchester United. The dramatic contest at Anfield saw Liverpool’s winless run stretch to four matches across all competitions, capped by a last-minute winner from United’s Harry Maguire.
The match commenced with Bryan Mbeumo putting United ahead, before Liverpool’s Cody Gakpo equalised with a well-taken effort. However, Maguire’s towering header ensured Ruben Amorim’s United secured all three points, marking their first consecutive Premier League victories under Amorim’s leadership.
Speaking on The Rest Is Football podcast, Lineker acknowledged the significance of the win for Amorim, particularly as United’s fortunes appear to be on an upswing against high-profile opponents. Despite concluding the match on the losing side, Salah being substituted in the 85th minute drew particular attention. Lineker was surprised by Slot’s decision to remove the Egyptian international, known for his match-winning capabilities.
“It was a bold move by Arne Slot,” remarked Lineker. “Bringing off Mo Salah when trailing 2-1 was quite the statement. Although Gakpo nearly capitalised immediately afterwards, you can’t help but feel Salah might have popped up with something crucial given his knack for finding the net even when quiet.”
Salah’s personal form hasn’t been up to the high standards fans have come to expect, with just two goals in his eight Premier League appearances so far this season. Lineker empathised with the forward, noting the fine margins strikers face when not in top form. “When it’s not going for you, those balls drop awkwardly,” Lineker commented.
Another voice in the discussion, Micah Richards, backed Slot’s managerial decision. “At the end of the day, the team must come first,” the former Manchester City defender stated. “Mo’s not performing at his usual level, and managers have to make tough decisions.”
For Salah, Gakpo, and the rest of the Liverpool squad, there remains much work to be done to claw back into form and restore their eminent reputation, especially in fixtures against their longstanding rivals.