Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk didn’t hold back in his post-match reflection after a frustrating 2-2 draw against Manchester United at Anfield.
Virgil van Dijk points finger at Liverpool teammates after Man Utd disappointment
The result saw the Reds squander a golden opportunity to extend their lead at the Premier League summit, leaving fans and players alike ruing missed chances and defensive lapses.
United, struggling in 13th place and still adapting to new manager Ruben Amorim’s tactics, defied the odds to snatch a point.
They even came close to taking all three, with Rasmus Højlund and Harry Maguire missing key opportunities in both halves.
Van Dijk, known for his leadership and composure, was brutally honest in assessing Liverpool’s shortcomings.
Speaking to Sky Sports, he said: “It could have been a lot worse if we’re absolutely honest with ourselves. They had a big chance at the end, and we could’ve been sitting here with nothing.
I’m disappointed with dropping points at home, but we have to move on. That’s football.”
The Dutch captain lamented Liverpool’s inability to manage the game after taking a 2-1 lead, highlighting a recurring issue with ball retention.
“We found the second goal, and then it’s about keeping control—managing the game. But we lost the ball too easily, and that left us more open than we should’ve been.
We’re not perfect; we’re still learning, and this is another lesson for us.”
Despite United’s underwhelming form this season, Van Dijk dismissed suggestions that Liverpool underestimated their rivals.
“No, we didn’t take them lightly,” he insisted.
“They’re a team with quality. Even when they went into a low block, they showed how difficult they are to break down.
And in those last 15 minutes, when they started playing on the ground, you could see their ability.”
The draw leaves Liverpool facing added pressure in a tightly contested title race, with Arsenal breathing down their necks.
Van Dijk’s candid words will likely resonate in the dressing room as the Reds prepare to bounce back and avoid further stumbles in their pursuit of Premier League glory.
