Salah Ruled Out of Old Trafford Finale as He Champions Henderson Send-Off

Mohamed Salah's storied rivalry with Manchester United won't get a final chapter. The muscle injury sustained during Liverpool's 3-1 victory over Crystal Palace has sidelined him for Sunday's match at Old Trafford — and with his contract set to expire this summer as he approaches his 34th birthday, his last dance against the Red Devils may have already happened.

The Egyptian forward has been a nightmare for United, netting 13 Premier League goals against them throughout his career. His seven strikes at Old Trafford represent more than any other player has managed at that venue in English top-flight history. United supporters will breathe a sigh of relief knowing Salah won't be making the trip north this weekend. For those considering wagers on the match, Liverpool's attacking prowess takes a significant hit without their most lethal finisher — any odds on goals or set pieces should factor in the absence of their sharpest weapon.

Egyptian King Advocates for Former Captain's Recognition

However, the most significant Salah story this week isn't about his fitness concerns. During an appearance on TNT Sports' The Breakdown with Steven Gerrard, the Liverpool star made an impassioned plea for the club and supporters to properly honour Jordan Henderson when Brentford visit Anfield on May 24.

"Without him — and I have been there in the dressing room — without him we would not have achieved what we achieved," Salah explained. "He didn't get the send off or farewell he deserved because he left immediately. I really hope the fans will give a good send off. I really hope so."

Henderson departed for Saudi Pro League side Al-Ettifaq in 2023 following 12 seasons with the Reds. There was no testimonial, no lap of honour, no proper acknowledgment of his contributions to the Premier League and UEFA Champions League-winning campaigns. That Salah — who's quietly preparing for his own Anfield exit — is using his influence to advocate for another player's recognition speaks volumes about his character.

Klopp's New Role Influences Anfield Transfer Business

In other Liverpool news, Jurgen Klopp's post-Anfield career is unexpectedly intersecting with the club's transfer strategy. Now serving as Head of Global Soccer for Red Bull, Klopp has been linked to Liverpool's rumoured pursuit of RB Leipzig midfielder Yan Diomande — a 19-year-old prospect valued at approximately €100 million (£86 million).

Reports suggest Harvey Elliott could be included in the transaction, which would provide Klopp an unusual opportunity to address something that troubled him during his final Liverpool campaign. "If I regret one thing a little bit it's that Harvey didn't play often enough, maybe," Klopp admitted before his departure last May. Elliott has spent this season on loan with Aston Villa. A permanent transfer to Leipzig — potentially facilitated through Klopp's current position — would represent an ironic coming-full-circle moment.

Regardless of whether this particular deal comes to fruition, Liverpool faces a significant rebuilding phase this summer. With Salah's departure appearing inevitable, Henderson's legacy consigned to history, and Elliott potentially on the move, the squad that captured the title this campaign is already being systematically dismantled.