Virgil van Dijk believes Manchester United were “disrespected” ahead of the 2-2 draw against Liverpool.
The win was shared at Anfield, where Amad Diallo's late equalizer denied the Reds all three points.
Arne Slot's side were expected to achieve victory without too many difficulties against the Red Devils, who started the match after three consecutive defeats.
However, Ruben Amorim's men initially took the lead through Lisandro Martinez, before holding their nerve to grab a point later.
And Liverpool captain Van Dijk felt his opponents were underestimated in the build-up to the showdown.
Then our #CarabaoCup semi-final first legpic.twitter.com/ZrwbFI7xcF
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) January 6, 2025
“Do I feel United were disrespected? Yes,” he said. “I heard at the press conference that someone asked if we were going to change players against United.
“I was shocked. It's one of the biggest games of the season and United will always make it difficult. When I heard that I was surprised.”
“We are playing against a good opponent. I think everyone from the outside world forgets that, judging by the noise going around before the match. They have good players. They are clearly a work in progress, just like us, but they have made it difficult for us.”
Van Dijk also jumped to the defense of teammate Trent Alexander-Arnold, who was heavily criticized after a sub-par performance at Anfield.
The England full-back, who is out of contract at the end of the season, has been heavily linked with a move to Real Madrid but his captain does not believe his performance has been affected by the ongoing speculation.
'No. I'm fine with it [his performance]', said Van Dijk. “Trent has his own people around him, his family, and we are there too.
“He wants to perform as well as possible, like we all do. That is the main focus. Maybe ask him in my opinion, that is the distraction, the game.”
Comments