Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah has been "selfish" and should be dropped from the squad for the Reds' final match of the season against Brentford at Anfield, says former Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney.

Salah criticized the club after a 4-2 defeat to Aston Villa, stating that Liverpool needs to return to being a "heavy metal attacking team that opponents fear." In a social media post, Salah emphasized that the club's identity should be "recovered and kept for good," and that everyone joining the club should adapt to it. This has been seen as a direct criticism of manager Arne Slot.

The 33-year-old Egypt forward, who will leave Liverpool at the end of the season after helping the club secure six major trophies and scoring 257 goals in nine years, has come under fire from Rooney for his comments.

Rooney told the Wayne Rooney Show: "I find it sad at the end of what he's done and what he's achieved at Liverpool. It's not the point for him to come out and aim another dig at Slot."

Rooney also questioned whether Salah's body can cope with the high-intensity football he demands, suggesting that if he were Slot, he would keep Salah off the pitch for the final game.

"He's almost just dropped the grenade and said he doesn't trust and believe in Arne Slot and almost thrown his team-mates who are going to be there next season and let them have to deal with that as well and put them into a position," Rooney added.

Salah, who announced his decision to leave Anfield in March, has struggled this season, scoring just 12 times in 40 games compared to 29 goals in the previous season. Rooney believes Salah's comments stem from his desire to vindicate himself and make himself feel better.

"I think Salah's trying to vindicate himself and make himself feel better because he's had a very poor season," said Rooney. "So I think he's been very selfish in what he's done in the two occasions. It's a shame and fans will be on his side, but I think when you look deeper into it and having been in a dressing room in a similar situation to that as well, Mo Salah knows exactly what he's doing."

Rooney also discussed the club's disappointing title defense and the growing frustration among supporters, but said he is in two minds about whether Slot should pay the ultimate price for the team's performances.