Liverpool’s 2-1 loss to Manchester United at Anfield has left supporters deeply unsettled and questioning Arne Slot’s leadership, as the Reds suffered their fourth consecutive defeat in all competitions — their worst run since the Dutch manager replaced Jurgen Klopp last year.
The highly anticipated clash quickly turned into a nightmare for Liverpool. United struck within the opening two minutes when Bryan Mbeumo capitalized on a defensive lapse from Virgil van Dijk, slotting home a low shot past Giorgi Mamardashvili. The early setback set the tone for what would be a frustrating night for the home side.
Despite a late rally, with Cody Gakpo equalizing in the 75th minute, Liverpool’s resurgence was short-lived. Just nine minutes later, Harry Maguire rose above the defense to head in a precise Bruno Fernandes cross, restoring United’s lead and silencing the Anfield crowd.
The result marked a crucial moment in Ruben Amorim’s tenure at Manchester United, as his side climbed to ninth place in the Premier League table — just two points behind third-placed Liverpool.
Mounting Pressure on Arne Slot
Arne Slot’s start to life at Liverpool had shown promise, but four consecutive losses — including this one against their fierce rivals — have sparked genuine concern among supporters. The team’s attacking rhythm looks disrupted, the defense uncertain, and the once-feared Anfield aura appears to be fading.
Compounding Liverpool’s struggles is the sudden dip in form of Mohamed Salah. The Egyptian forward missed a clear opportunity just before Gakpo’s equalizer and has now gone four matches without a goal or assist. His substitution late in the game, replaced by Jeremie Frimpong while Liverpool trailed 2-1, raised eyebrows among fans and pundits alike.
Sky Sports commentator Gary Neville noted, “It may have gone slightly unnoticed, but taking off Mo Salah when Liverpool needed a goal says a lot about Arne Slot’s assessment of his performance.”
Fans Voice Their Frustration
Supporters were quick to share their frustration online following the defeat. One fan lamented, “Salah, what has happened to you?” while another added, “He’s starting to frustrate me now.” Others criticized the forward for failing to capitalize on key moments, with one remarking, “Salah needs to either score or pass to Wirtz — he did neither.”
Many fans have also begun to question Slot’s tactics and player selections, particularly his decision to withdraw Salah and the team’s overall lack of defensive organization in recent matches.
Looking Ahead
For Arne Slot, the pressure is mounting. Liverpool’s next fixtures will be crucial in determining whether this slump is merely a rough patch or a deeper problem. The manager faces the challenge of reigniting his team’s confidence, rediscovering their attacking fluency, and ensuring that leadership on and off the pitch remains strong.
Meanwhile, Manchester United’s victory marks a potential turning point under Ruben Amorim, with his side showing renewed belief and discipline.
As Liverpool regroup, fans are left with growing doubts — not just about their recent performances, but about whether Arne Slot can steer the club back to the dominant form that once defined the Klopp era.
