Virgil van Dijk claimed only Liverpool tried to win the 212th meeting with Manchester United after Erik ten Hag’s struggling team produced a defiant defensive display to take a point at Anfield.
Liverpool’s frustration in failing to win at Anfield for the first time this season, and failing to reclaim top spot in the Premier League as a consequence, was articulated by their captain after Jürgen Klopp’s side followed up the 7-0 rout of United last season with a goalless stalemate.
Van Dijk argued: “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.
Virgil van Dijk claimed only Liverpool tried to win the 212th meeting with Manchester United after Erik ten Hag’s struggling team produced a defiant defensive display to take a point at Anfield.
Liverpool’s frustration in failing to win at Anfield for the first time this season, and failing to reclaim top spot in the Premier League as a consequence, was articulated by their captain after Jürgen Klopp’s side followed up the 7-0 rout of United last season with a goalless stalemate.
Van Dijk argued: “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.
“We are capable of beating Liverpool and we proved today we are capable of it if we bring this on the pitch in every game. First of all, we are a hard team to beat but from that point, we can go and win games and we can win big games.”
Speaking on Sky Sports, the former Manchester United captain Roy Keane accused Van Dijk of arrogance for his post-match comments. “We heard Van Dijk speaking there, obviously a lot of arrogance coming out of him, dissing United like that,” he said. “He needs to be reminded himself, he’s playing for a club that’s won one title in 30-odd years.
“He said only one team wanted to win, Man United are buzzing with the point. Man 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.”
Keane added: “I played Liverpool many a time and they were pretty pleased with a draw. I didn’t like his message. I think he’s out of order.”
