Mohamed Salah told to exploit ‘lazy’ Manchester United defender in Anfield showdown

Mohamed Salah has been tipped to rediscover his best form when Manchester United visit Anfield — if he targets one specific Red Devils defender, according to a former United star.

 

The Liverpool forward endured a quiet spell before the international break, going four games without a goal for the Reds. However, he found his scoring touch again for Egypt, netting twice in a 3-0 win over Djibouti. Salah will now look to carry that confidence into Sunday’s clash with United, against whom he boasts an incredible record of 16 goals in 17 appearances.

 

Despite scoring only twice in seven Premier League matches this season, Salah has been backed to cause problems for United left-back Luke Shaw — who ex-Old Trafford defender Paul Parker branded “lazy.”

 

Speaking on BBC Sport’s The Devils’ Advocate podcast, Parker said:

 

> “If Liverpool play in front of them it will be great, but I don’t think they will. I think they’ll look to get in behind, especially on Luke Shaw’s side. Salah will be trying to make those runs with and without the ball, knowing Shaw’s laziness — pulling shirts and doing little things like that.”

 

 

 

Parker also defended United boss Ruben Amorim from criticism, insisting the real issue lies with the players.

 

> “They lack discipline and reliability,” he added. “People call them elite, but that’s nonsense. If they truly were, they’d understand what’s needed and just get on with it.”

 

 

 

Sunday’s fixture marks United’s 100th visit to Anfield, though they haven’t won there since Wayne Rooney’s goal sealed a 1-0 victory back

in January 2016.