In a stunning post-match analysis that has sent shockwaves through English football, Manchester United icon Wayne Rooney and Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak have launched a blistering attack on Liverpool, despite the Reds' dramatic 4-3 victory over United in the FA Cup quarter-final.
The Rooney Verdict: Liverpool's Defensive Frailty Exposed
Rooney, United's all-time leading scorer, didn't hold back in his assessment of Jurgen Klopp's side. "For all their attacking brilliance, Liverpool looked vulnerable at the back throughout the match," Rooney stated in his column for The Times.
The former England captain highlighted how United's frontline repeatedly exploited gaps in Liverpool's defense, creating numerous scoring opportunities that should have sealed the game during regular time. "When you analyze their performance objectively, Liverpool were fortunate to reach extra time," Rooney emphasized, pointing to several defensive lapses that nearly cost the Merseyside club their FA Cup ambitions.
Isak's Surprising Take: Questioning Liverpool's Mentality
Adding fuel to the fire, Newcastle's Swedish sensation Alexander Isak delivered an equally critical perspective on The Rest Is Football podcast. "I watched the game thinking Liverpool didn't look like themselves," Isak revealed. "There was something missing from their usual intensity and control."
The Magpies' star forward, who has faced Liverpool multiple times this season, suggested that the performance raised questions about Liverpool's ability to maintain their composure in high-pressure situations. "For a team chasing multiple trophies, they showed moments of real vulnerability that better teams might punish," Isak noted.
FA Cup Drama Overshadows Liverpool's Progress
Despite securing a semifinal spot in the most dramatic fashion possible, the victory has been overshadowed by these high-profile criticisms. The match saw:
- United taking an early 2-1 lead through goals from Scott McTominay
- Liverpool fighting back to equalize twice
- Marcus Rashford missing a golden opportunity to win it in normal time
- Amad Diallo's late winner in extra time being overshadowed by his subsequent red card
The consensus from both pundits is clear: Liverpool's victory papered over significant cracks that need addressing if they're to maintain their quadruple challenge.
What This Means for Liverpool's Title Chase
With the Premier League title race heating up and Europa League ambitions still alive, these criticisms come at a crucial juncture for Jurgen Klopp's squad. The comments from respected figures like Rooney and current Premier League stars like Isak add pressure on Liverpool to prove their defensive solidity in the coming weeks.
As the football world digests these surprising verdicts, one thing is certain: Liverpool's dramatic FA Cup victory has sparked a debate that extends far beyond the result itself, raising important questions about their credentials as genuine quadruple contenders.
