Erik ten Hag sends simple four-word response to Virgil van Dijk message after Man Utd draw Liverpool at Anfield

Erik ten Hag sends simple four-word response to Virgil van Dijk message after Man Utd draw Liverpool at Anfield

Manchester United put a horrible week behind them to hold Liverpool to a goalless stalemate at Anfield, but their performance didn’t please Kop captain Virgil van Dijk

Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag barely batted an eye-lid after being told of Virgil van Dijk’s claim that Liverpool were the only side trying to win at Anfield on Sunday.

The Reds slipped up to lose spot in the Premier League, despite managing 34 shots, including eight on target, as their 21-game hot scoring streak at Anfield was ended.

That left Liverpool skipper Van Dijk deeply frustrated, and he made clear post-game: “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’s why it’s frustrating.

Jurgen Klopp and Virgil van Dijk’s fury with two Liverpool stars spoke volumes in Man Utd draw
“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’s frustrating because we were superior in all aspects. In the end they’re buzzing with a point and we’re disappointed with a point.”

Van Dijk’s comments were brought up to Ten Hag in his post-match press conference and the far-from-bothered United boss said simply: “This is his opinion”.

On his side’s display, the Dutchman added: “I said after the game in the dressing room that I was very proud of the team. We should do this more often. We stayed in the game and were disciplined with the game plan.

“We proved today what we are capable of. If we bring this every time on the pitch we are a hard team to beat and we can go on and win games – and big games.”

While Ten Hag said little about Van Dijk, Red Devils legend Roy Keane tore into the Liverpool skipper, accusing him of arrogance.

“Virgil van Dijk had arrogance coming out of him, dishing Manchester United like that,” fumed Keane on Sky Sports. “He needs a reminder himself. He’s playing for a club, who have won one title in 30 odd years.”

Jurgen Klopp claims he “couldn’t really be interested” in the title race and claims Liverpool have done well to be second.

“I’m happy we’re in the area we are, but I don’t know why we open that discussion,” said the Liverpool boss. “It’s December, the toughest period of the year, everyone has to get through it somehow. In April, I’m more than happy to discuss it.

“We’re exactly where we belong because of our performances.”