Former England and Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney has questioned Alexander Isak’s place in Liverpool’s starting XI, suggesting Hugo Ekitike deserves the nod based on current form.
Isak, 25, became the most expensive signing in British football history when he joined Liverpool from Newcastle in September for £125 million. However, the Swedish forward has struggled to make an impact, scoring just once—in the League Cup—in seven appearances across all competitions.
Sunday’s defeat to Manchester United at Anfield marked Isak’s third consecutive Premier League start without a goal.
Meanwhile, Ekitike, who came off the bench against United, has netted four goals for Liverpool this season, three of which have come in league play.
“I wouldn’t play Isak—he hasn’t looked ready since joining from Newcastle,” Rooney said on The Wayne Rooney Show.
“He didn’t have a pre-season, he hasn’t trained properly. That makes a huge difference. While Newcastle were preparing for the season, Isak was probably at home on the phone with his agent trying to sort a transfer.
“Even if he was doing some individual work, it’s not the same. He’s paying the price now. On performance, he doesn’t deserve to be ahead of Ekitike.”
Liverpool’s 2–1 loss to Manchester United marked their fourth consecutive defeat in all competitions—the club’s worst run since November 2014.
Despite winning the Premier League title last season and starting this campaign with seven straight victories, Liverpool have struggled for consistency, often failing to sustain strong performances across 90 minutes.
