United the perfect prey for Salah to calm the doubters

Wayne Rooney, a United icon, didn't hold back when assessing Salah on his podcast following Liverpool's 2-1 loss to Chelsea last time out a third defeat on the trot.

- BY KIERAN CUNNINGHAM

"Salah's work ethic is questionable. When Salah fails to decide a game with goals or assists, his other play becomes apparent," said Rooney.

"Salah seemed completely lost over the past week. His attitude can be tolerated when the team is performing well, but during a losing streak like this, his posture is clearly problematic.

"I'm not saying to bench Salah. However, he now needs change. If he continues like this, his reputation won't last long."

Quite a shoeing when you consider the fact that the Egyptian made a clean sweep of the various footballer of the year awards in England last season.

But it is impossible to ignore the falloff in his potency. Salah has scored just two goals for Liverpool in the Premier League in this campaign, and one of those was from the penalty spot.

Getting a brace for Egypt couldn't have come at a better time. He needed an injection of confidence, and coming up against United is something else that will have him champing at the bit at Anfield on Sunday.

Salah has scored more goals 13 against United than any other player in Premier League history.

And who holds the record for most assists against United in the same era? That would be a chap called Mohamed Salah Hamed Mahrous Ghaly.