Carragher Says Salah Not Automatic Starter

Pundits Jamie Carragher and Gary Neville warned Mohamed Salah should no longer be treated as an automatic starter after Liverpool’s 2-1 Anfield defeat to Manchester United, citing a broader dip in his form they attribute in part to age and team changes. Manager Arne Slot said he may manage Salah’s minutes, praised alternatives like Federico Chiesa at times, and declined to blame match officials for a controversial early goal in that game. Statistical indicators — including goals, assists and expected-goals — show a sharp drop from last season, while the integration of new signings such as Florian Wirtz, tactical tweaks and upcoming AFCON call-ups have disrupted Liverpool’s attack. Liverpool are on a four-game losing run, leaving Slot with urgent selection and tactical decisions to arrest the slide. Earlier reports linking Galatasaray to a January move for Salah remain unconfirmed and no official transfer talks have been reported.