The Egyptian forward scored as the Reds beat rivals Manchester United 3-0 on Sunday (01.09.24) and said that he treated the game like it would be his last at the home of the club's bitter enemies.

Salah told Sky Sports: "I was coming to the game, I was saying, 'Look, it could be the last time.'

"Nobody in the club talked to me yet about contracts so I was just like, 'OK, I play my last season and see at the end of the season.'

"I feel I am free to play football – we will see what happens next year."

Salah continued his superb record against United with his goal in Liverpool's win and was pleased to keep up the team's perfect start under new boss Arne Slot.

He said: "A great result. Everyone knows the derby is important for the fans and the city. We need to carry on and if you want to fight for the league you have to win each game.

"I managed to be involved in three (goals) so I am happy about that. The manager likes us to press high and there was a couple of mistakes and we managed to use them - it was part of the plan.

"With Jurgen (Klopp) we were always like this to get the ball as high as possible. Quite similar from seven years ago, the manager has his own system and we try to adapt that."

Slot sought to play down Salah's remarks about it being his final campaign at Anfield.

The Dutch coach said: "It's a lot of 'if'. At this moment he is one of ours and I am really happy with him being one of ours and he played really well.

"I don't talk about contracts from players but I can talk for hours about how Mo played today."