Home » Van Dijk: Man United were ‘disrespected’ before Liverpool draw

Van Dijk: Man United were ‘disrespected’ before Liverpool draw

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk said he believes Manchester United were “disrespected” before their 2-2 draw at Anfield.

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Man United were “disrespected”

Amad Diallo struck an 80th minute equaliser at Anfield, after goals from Cody Gakpo and Mohamed Salah gave Liverpool a 2-1 lead.

United had a chance to win when Harry Maguire missed a clear shot seven minutes into stoppage time.

The Premier League leaders were expected to beat United, who had lost three games in a row before their trip to Merseyside.

However, Ruben Amorim’s side produced their most impressive performance so far this season.

Van Dijk, 33, felt that the media “disrespected” United.

“Do I feel United were disrespected? Yeah,” Van Dijk said after the match. “I heard in the press conference someone asked if we were going to rotate players against United.”

“I was shocked. It is one of the biggest games of the season and United will always make it tough. To hear that, I was surprised.

“We are playing against a good opponent. I think everyone from the outside world forgets that judging by the sound that had been going around before the game. They have good players. They are obviously a work in progress like we are but they made it difficult for us.”

Van Dijk defends Alexander-Arnold

Meanwhile, Van Dijk also defended teammate Trent Alexander-Arnold, who has faced criticism for his lackluster display against United.

Both Van Dijk and Alexander-Arnold — along with Salah — are out of contract at the end of the season.

The 26-year-old defender is Real Madrid’s top defensive target following a long-term injury to right-back Dani Carvajal.

The Spanish club approached Liverpool earlier this week about signing the 26-year-old during the January window.

However, the Premier League leaders swiftly rejected Madrid’s advances.

Some fans and pundits have suggested that the 26-year-old’s disappointing performance on Sunday was influenced by the speculation surrounding his future.

However, the Netherlands international disagrees with the criticism.

“No. I am fine with it,” Van Dijk said. “Trent has his own people around him, his family and we are there as well.”

“He wants to perform in the best way possible like we all do. That is the main focus. In my opinion, maybe ask him, that is the distraction, the game.”