Virgil van Dijk was labelled ‘arrogant’ for his comments about Manchester United after the 0-0 draw at Anfield.
Liverpool failed to beat a crumpled United side in a match they were expected to cruise to victory in.
3
Van Dijk aired his frustration with Man United’s style of play after the gameCredit: Twitter
However, some fine rearguard action by the visitors and downright poor attacking play from Jurgen Klopp’s men contributed to the stalemate.
While Liverpool dominated possession, they could not carve out a truly meaningful chance with Van Dijk’s header in the first half, which was saved by goalkeeper Andre Onana in relative comfort, arguably their best chance.
And the Reds captain was critical of Erik ten Hag’s men.
He told Sky Sports: “If you see how we played the game, we had most of the ball and created some opportunities. There was only one team trying to win the game.
“We want to win every game of course and that is why it is frustrating… sometimes we shot too easy and could have passed on the overlap. The right decision was sometimes lacking.
“We carry on of course but it is frustrating because we were superior in all aspects…
“In the end they are buzzing with a point and we are very disappointed with a point.”
Immediately after the interview, cameras returned to the Sky Sports studio and Red Devils legend Keane was furious with the defender’s comments.
3
The stats backed up what was an impressive display from Man United’s defenders
He seethed: “Virgil van Dijk had arrogance coming out of him, dishing Manchester United like that.
“He needs a reminder himself. He’s playing for a club who have won one title in 30-odd years.
“He’s saying only one team wanted to win and that United are buzzing with a point.
“United are in a difficult place, like Liverpool have been in a difficult place for many a year.
“So maybe that bit of arrogance backfired on him today.”
The draw means Liverpool stay behind Arsenal, who leapfrogged them earlier in the day at the top of the Premier League.
United, meanwhile, are floundering in seventh but, despite their poor showings this season, are still just six points off the top four.
Van Dijk added: “Obviously they are not in the best phase. Coming here you are wary of the threat we have.
“There was only one team I think that were trying to win the game” 👀
Virgil van Dijk is frustrated after their draw at Anfield ⚖️ pic.twitter.com/SZtIau0P88
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) December 17, 2023
3
Liverpool’s attackers were left frustrated at Anfield
“We should have won it today. We have to learn from certain situations and I know we will.
“Last year we didn’t come in with a good feeling towards the Manchester United game but we won the game convincingly, but last year doesn’t count now.”
And on talkSPORT, hosts Ally McCoist and Jeff Stelling agreed with Keane.
Discussing the comments on the Breakfast show, former Rangers striker McCoist said: “What does he expect? Man United to come and play to Liverpoolk’s strengths?”
He then acknowledged the defender was clearly disappointed, but added: “It’s a naive comment to make. I only saw the highlights as I was travelling to London [from Glasgow] but it looked a really poor game.
“The fact is, Man United set up defensively, they were difficult to break down, they frustrated [Liverpool] and they got their point.
“Virgil van Dijk has probably made that statement with a little bit of frustration because he’ll be disappointed as it was a game that everybody fancied Liverpool to win on current form. They didn’t and [Van Dijk] has had a wee bite. I don’t think it was the cleverest of statements.”
Listen to Jeff and Ally every Monday and Tuesday from 6am on talkSPORT
>>> Read full article>>>
Copyright for syndicated content belongs to the linked Source : TalkSport – https://talksport.com/football/1681258/roy-keane-virgil-van-dijk-comments-man-utd-liverpool/
