Arne Slot Hits Back at Manchester United Legend Wayne Rooney Over ‘Aura’ Claim

Liverpool manager Arne Slot has fired back at Wayne Rooney's criticism, dismissing the Manchester United legend's claim that he lacks the "aura" required for the Anfield job. Rooney, a boyhood Everton fan and former United striker, questioned Slot's authority following Liverpool's struggles in defending their Premier League title.

In a recent interview, Rooney stated, "I have met him a couple of times, but I just don’t think, for Liverpool, he has that aura—and maybe that’s because Liverpool have just come off the back of Jürgen Klopp as manager."^[1] He attributed Liverpool's dip in form partly to key players like Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk not performing at their best, noting they have "lost a yard or two." Rooney also singled out Andy Robertson for limited game time, alongside absences like Trent Alexander-Arnold and issues with Luis Díaz and Diogo Jota.^[1]

Rooney praised Salah as one of the Premier League's greatest and Van Dijk as the best center-back of his generation, but warned that Slot faces pressure: "If he doesn’t get them top five in the Premier League, he will be gone, for sure," despite Liverpool's recent title win.^[1]

Slot responded forcefully, defending his credentials and leadership. He highlighted Liverpool's ongoing competitiveness, pointing to their position in the title race and Champions League aspirations. "Aura is earned on the pitch, not talked about in punditry," Slot quipped, referencing his successful tenure at Feyenoord and early achievements at Anfield, including the Premier League triumph. He urged focus on results over personal jabs, emphasizing team resilience amid injuries.^[1]

The exchange underscores the intense scrutiny on Slot post-Klopp, with Rooney's comments reveling in Liverpool's challenges from his United and Everton perspective. Liverpool supporters rallied behind Slot, viewing Rooney's barbs as biased rivalry talk.^[1]

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