Following Liverpool’s goalless draw with Manchester United, Virgil van Dijk replied to Roy Keane’s accusation of arrogance.
Despite Liverpool’s 34 shots and dominant possession at Anfield on Sunday, United’s defensive resilience prevented the hosts from securing a breakthrough.
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This thwarted opportunity to claim the Premier League’s top spot left Van Dijk clearly discontented.
Following the match, the Liverpool captain remarked that his team was the sole contender striving for victory and claimed superiority over United in every aspect except the score.
Roy Keane, a former midfielder for United, criticized the Dutch defender as “arrogant” in response to these statements.
“There’s a lot of arrogance coming out of him, dissing Manchester United like that,” Keane said on Sky Sports.
“He needs reminding that he is playing for a club that has won one title in 30-odd years.
“Manchester United are in a difficult place, just like Liverpool have been in a difficult place for many years. So maybe that arrogance backfired on him today.
“He said Man United were buzzing and one team came to play. Yeah, I’ve come to Anfield many times with Manchester United where Liverpool were in a tough place and they were happy with a draw.
“The bottom line is that the most important stat is the scoreline. Liverpool had chances and didn’t take them. That’s their own fault.”
Liverpool skipper Van Dijk has now responded to Keane’s criticism, saying he doesn’t regret his post-match comments.
“I like Roy Keane, if he said that then it’s fine,” said Van Dijk.
“He is Man United throughout and I understand he could react like that but I felt what I said and there is absolutely no arrogance in that.
“Everyone who watched the game probably felt the same. We move on. We had the opportunity and we couldn’t score and that’s the frustrating part.”
Keane’s characterization of Van Dijk as arrogant appeared unduly severe, especially considering United’s consistently lackluster performances.
Nonetheless, Van Dijk seems unfazed, concentrating on Liverpool’s upcoming Carabao Cup quarter-final against West Ham on Wednesday and a pivotal top-of-the-table clash with Arsenal on Saturday.
