Following Sunday’s goalless draw between Liverpool and Manchester United, Reds captain Virgil van Dijk has voiced his discontent over United’s playing style.
He insinuated that only one team looked interested in getting a win during the match. Van Dijk found it difficult to cope with the frustration, especially considering Liverpool’s spectacular 7-0 victory over United last season, which now feels insignificant after the recent lackluster afternoon.
The stalemate was a setback for Liverpool, who had a golden opportunity to reclaim their position at the top of the Premier League table against a struggling United side. Despite dominating possession and controlling the game, Jürgen Klopp’s team couldn’t capitalize on their dominance on a rather gloomy afternoon.
In contrast, Arsenal managed to regain top spot in the table, with Aston Villa equaling Liverpool’s points tally following their triumphant comeback against Brentford.
“There was only one team trying to win the game,” Van Dijk stated emphatically after his side’s draw. He expressed his team’s frustration over not being able to convert opportunities into goals due to hasty shooting and poor decision-making at crucial junctures.
Van Dijk didn’t hide his disappointment over settling for a point when they were clearly superior in all aspects of the game. He also pointed out that while United were satisfied with a draw, Liverpool were left lamenting missed chances.
The pressure is mounting on Erik ten Hag, United’s manager, as his team continues to produce inconsistent performances, recently suffering a 3-0 defeat at home against AFC Bournemouth. Moreover, Bayern Munich’s victory at Old Trafford saw United exit the Champions League, and Europe altogether, at the group stage.
Despite United’s poor form making Liverpool clear favorites ahead of Sunday’s clash, Van Dijk felt frustrated by their inability to secure a win.
He acknowledged the need to learn from such situations, expressing confidence that they would. He also dismissed the significance of their past victories over United, stating that previous triumphs hold no relevance now.
Van Dijk’s post-match interview didn’t sit well with Roy Keane, the former Manchester United captain. Speaking on Sky Sports, Keane took umbrage at Van Dijk’s comments, labeling them as “arrogant.”
