Liverpool dropped their first home points of the Premier League season as they were held to a 0-0 draw by Manchester United.
Virgil van Dijk has criticized Manchester United’s strategy against Liverpool, saying that in their 0-0 draw, just one team was “trying to win.”
After a tough afternoon, the Reds skipper declared that March’s decisive 7-0 victory over the Red Devils is now just outdated.
Jurgen Klopp’s side dominated the play but were poor on a dismal afternoon, losing a golden chance to apply pressure on leaders, Arsenal and escape oncoming Aston Villa who had moved level on points with them, following their comeback victory over Brentford on Sunday.
“100%. 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,” said Van Dijk.
“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 disappointed with a point.”
Erik ten Hag, the manager of the Red Devils, has been under increasing criticism in recent weeks due to the team’s lacklustre play and their humiliating 3-0 home loss to AFC Bournemouth.
The Champions League’s midweek victory over United at Old Trafford by Bayern Munich sank United to the bottom of Group A.
Even though Liverpool was the clear favourite going into the match on Sunday, Van Dijk was not happy with his performance.
“Obviously they are not in the best phase. Coming here you are wary of the threat we have. 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”, said the skipper.
It was an interview that provoked a stinging response from former Manchester United captain Roy Keane, who was furious, labelling Van Dijk “arrogant” for his comments.
The Sky Sports pundit claimed the comments smacked of arrogance and disrespect before adding:
“He needs to remember he’s playing for a club that have won the title once in 30-odd years.”
