Liverpool news: Arne Slot addresses critics as Wayne Rooney doubles down on harsh verdict

Liverpool boss Arne Slot is focused on his side earning a statement win against Manchester United this weekend. The Reds could potentially seal a Champions League place wth a positive result at Old Trafford. They will face their bitter rivals without talisman Mohamed Salah , who has been ruled out of the clash but should return before the end of the campaign . The Egyptian forward is one of several injured players in Slot’s squad ahead of the showdown with United. Slot has come under scrutiny throughout the season after the reigning champions found themselves in a battle for Champions League qualification. The 47-year-old is likely to continue in the Liverpool dugout next season and has responded to a question about the criticism he has endured this term. Meanwhile, United legend Wayne Rooney has made his thoughts clear about Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk and Salah ahead of the weekend’s game. Here, Mirror Football looks at some of the stories surrounding the club. FOLLOW OUR LIVERPOOL FB PAGE! Latest Reds news and more on our dedicated Facebook page Slot has responded to a question about the backlash he has received for the team’s performances this season. The Dutch coach delivered a Premier League title in his first year at Anfield but has seen his side fall below those standards this term, leading him to be asked whether he believes the criticism has been fair. "I think it is for you guys to judge if I have been too harshly judged by many people," Slot said in his pre-match press conference. "That's not up to me. "I judge my players, if they play well, if they are working hard and executing tactics. I'm not in this job to judge whether I'm criticised too harshly. That's not the way I spend my time on a daily basis." The team are set to finish the season without silverware. However, Slot will look to continue his side’s recent momentum after winning their last three league games. Manchester United icon Rooney has claimed that Liverpool skipper Van Dijk is no longer at his best . Rooney, who argued with the defender earlier this season , added that Van Dijk’s team-mate Salah has also shown signs of decline. "I said this since the start of the season, age gets to us all and your legs go,” he said on The Wayne Rooney Show . "I think that's happened to Salah this season and Virgil van Dijk hasn't been the same this season. “They are the leaders in the dressing room. It's hard for the other players to go and leave their mark or become the leaders. I don't think he [Van Dijk] will [leave] but you've seen players when they've stayed there for too long." Join our LFC WhatsApp community and get all the latest LFC news, views, transfer gossip and more, as it happens We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.