Virgil van Dijk was accused of being arrogant by Roy Keane after the Liverpool captain criticised Manchester United for the tactics in Sunday’s Premier League clash between the two sides
Gary Lineker has taken Virgil van Dijk’s side in the row over the tactics Manchester United employed against Liverpool.
United held the Reds to a goalless draw at Anfield on Sunday, with Van Dijk insisting they had not been playing to win the game. But the Dutchman’s criticism of his rivals drew an angry response from legendary United skipper Roy Keane.
The Irishman accused the Liverpool captain of being “arrogant” with his views on the tactics Erik ten Hag drew up. But former Barcelona star Lineker has now appeared to back Van Dijk, branding United a “League Two team” for how they approached the game.
“That was a damp squib, wasn’t it? There was hardly a proper chance in the game. The only bit I enjoyed about the match was watching Trent’s passing,” Lineker told The Rest is Football podcast when talking about the match.
“I got a text from a Manchester United-supporting friend of mine he said, ‘it’s come to this, the highlight of the game is watching Jonny Evans punt the ball down the touchline in the hope, the dream that Antony could maybe get on the end of it and win a throw in’.
“We’re talking about Manchester United like they’re a League Two team going to Anfield and hanging on for a draw.”
HAVE YOUR SAY! Do Manchester United deserve criticism for their performance against Liverpool? Comment below.
Van Dijk had been left deeply frustrated after his side dominated possession and had 34 shots. But they were unable to find a way past Andre Onana and dropped off the top of the Premier League as a result, leading to the Reds skipper attacking the visitors’ tactics.
“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,” he told Sky Sports.
“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 disappointed with a point. Obviously they are not in the best phase. Coming here you are wary of the threat we have. We should have won it.”
His comments drew an angry response from Keane though, who branded the defender “arrogant”. Keane insisted that United had done nothing wrong by playing for a draw and that Liverpool only had themselves to blame.
TNT Sports gives you access to games across the Premier League, Champions League, Europa League, Serie A and many more. You can also watch the biggest clashes in boxing, UFC, WWE and the get exclusive action from MLB all for one payment every month. You can watch TNT Sports through BT, EE, Sky, and Virgin Media.
£29.99 a month and get access to discovery+ Premium at no extra cost
TNT Sports
“We heard Van Dijk speaking, obviously some arrogance coming out of him dissing United like that. He needs to be reminded himself, he’s playing for a team that’s only won one title in 30-odd years,” he said.
“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. He’s got to remember where he’s coming from. Am I right, Liverpool have won one league in 30 years – he needs to be reminded himself. Sometimes you shouldn’t get carried away with yourself.”
Join our new WhatsApp community! Click this link to receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
Mirror Football’s top stories
Olivia Martin is a dedicated sports journalist based in the UK. With a passion for various athletic disciplines, she covers everything from major league championships to local sports events, delivering up-to-the-minute updates and in-depth analysis.
