Rooney's verdict: Isak isn't ready for Liverpool's starting lineup

Rooney calls for Isak to be benched after Anfield defeat

Wayne Rooney, a Manchester United legend, publicly urged Liverpool boss Arne Slot to drop Swedish striker Alexander Isak from the starting XI after the Reds' 1-2 defeat at Anfield to Manchester United on Sunday, in the eighth round of the Premier League.

Isak's struggles and Liverpool's wobble

Liverpool, the reigning champions, suffered a fourth consecutive defeat across all competitions, on a night when United claimed victory at Anfield for the first time in more than a decade.

Defender Harry Maguire headed the winner in the 84th minute, after Dutchman Cody Gakpo had equalized for Liverpool in the 78th, canceling out the early strike by Bryan Mbeumo for United after only 62 seconds.

Although he scored in the League Cup, Isak is still searching for his first Premier League goal for Liverpool, contributing just two goals in seven appearances across all competitions so far.

The other new arrival, Frenchman Hugo Ekitike, joined from Eintracht Frankfurt for £79 million and began brightly by scoring three goals and setting up another in his first five league games, before losing his place to Isak.

Rooney argues Isak looks unprepared physically or mentally after the move from Newcastle and urged Slot to give him time outside the squad to regain full fitness.

On his show, he said: "I wouldn't start Isak; he hasn't looked ready since Newcastle moved him."

He added: "He hasn't trained enough or had a proper preseason; that's crucial for any player. While Newcastle prepared for the season, Isak apparently sat at home talking with his agent for hours daily to seal the Liverpool move."

Rooney followed up: "It's hard to be at your best when you lack a proper pre-season. Maybe he trained alone, but now he's paying the price. Given his form, he doesn't deserve to start before Etikite."

Rooney also criticized: "During United's game, we saw him argue with referees on the touchline; first time I've seen that from him. We're starting to see signs of pressure."

Transfers and expectations: When Slot took charge last summer, he looked the ideal successor to Klopp's project, having steered Feyenoord to the Dutch title with an aggressive, balanced style that tempted Liverpool to hire him.

Yet, weeks into the season, the team struggles to translate Slot's ideas into a cohesive display, especially with slow integration of the new signings, led by Isak, who still finds his rhythm.

Still, some insiders believe Isak simply needs time to adapt after a tricky Newcastle move, where he reportedly refused to train in his final days, affecting his physical readiness.

Punchline 1: If Isak needs more time, Liverpool might need a longer pre-season — or a reliable Wi‑Fi connection to the trainer.

Punchline 2: In Klopp's universe, calendars are rumors; maybe the stopwatch will finally forgive them during the next window.