While heated exchanges erupt on the pitch, soccer battles often extend far beyond the field. Liverpool captain Virgil Van Dijk isn’t shy about fighting on the pitch, but he has now found himself involved in a controversy off the pitch.
Although the latest Premier League match between Manchester United and Liverpool wasn’t as intense as usual, Van Dijk got involved in some arguments a little too much. He has ignited fury among rival fans, even drawing out the ire of a Manchester United legend.
Virgil Van Dijk responds to Roy Keane criticism
The Manchester United and Liverpool game at Anfield didn’t have any specific moments, with a simple 0-0 draw being played out. After the game, a visibly frustated Virgil Van Dijk was not happy with the result. He claimed that United were happy with just a draw and that only Liverpool wanted to win.
Manchester United legend Roy Kean, who is also a TV pundit, was not happy with the statement from the Liverpool defender. He quickly slammed the Dutchman’s comments as arrogant and disrespectful, and pointed out that United are suffering right now, as Liverpool had in the past.
Virgil van Dijk has responded to Roy Keane's 'arrogance' comments đź‘€ pic.twitter.com/DPA2muYg69
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) December 19, 2023
And now Van Dijk has responded to those comments, though he took them gracefully. Instead of starting another war of words, he calmly respected Keane’s comments, though he stood by his words.
His exact words were, “I like Roy Keane, if he said that then it’s fine. He is Man United throughout and I understand he could react like that but I felt what I said and there is absolutely no arrogance in that. Everyone who watched the game probably felt the same. We move on. We had the opportunity and we couldn’t score and that’s the frustrating part.”
Van Dijk’s interaction with Andre Onana inside the tunnel
Manchester United goalkeeper Andre Onana showed his brilliance in the game by making 8 saves, helping his team salvage a crucial point. However, he was confronted after the game by Virgil Van Dijk in the tunnel.
Virgil van Dijk to Onana in the tunnel. 'because of you we only played a half hour game.' Onana responds with a smile #LFC #MUFC
— Alex Crook ⚽️🎙 (@alex_crook) December 17, 2023
Apparently, the Dutch center back took issue with the Cameroon international’s time wasting tactics throughout the whole game. He said, “Because of you we only played a half-hour game.” But Onana only smiled back in reply, knowing he had already done his job. It was a good game from him after many matches of disappointment.
It is understandable why Virgil Van Dijk was so frustrated with the result, with Liverpool losing their top spot in the Premier League to Arsenal. He will now look forward to the next game against West Ham in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday before a crucial match against Arsenal in the league on Saturday.
