Keane claims Virgil van Dijk was 'arrogant' for his comments
Sport

Keane claims Virgil van Dijk was 'arrogant' for his comments

Former Manchester United midfielder Roy Keane has claimed that Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk was "arrogant" for comments he made after the Liverpool vs. United game on Sunday. 

United played Liverpool at Anfield, and it was the Mancunian side that came away happier from the game after securing a hard-fought point.

However, not everyone was happy with how United played the game. Van Dijk, in the post-match interview, took a swipe at United for not going toe-to-toe with them.

"There was only one team, I think, that was trying to win the game. Unfortunately, it didn't happen," said the Dutchman.

"That's why it's frustrating. We want to win every game, of course, but especially if we play against a team like them...

"We were superior in all aspects from the very beginning. They were hoping for a couple of counterattacks and to hurt us on the break. In the end, they are buzzing with a point, and we are very disappointed with a point.

"They're not in the best phase, so coming here, you're wary of the threat we have."

Keane, who was in the Sky Sports studio doing punditry duties for the game, hit back at the Liverpool defender for his comments and accused him of "arrogance."

"He needs to be reminded of himself; he's playing for a club that’s won one title in 30-odd years," he said. 

“He said only one team wanted to win; Manchester United were buzzing with the point. Man United is in a difficult place, like Liverpool has been in a difficult place for many a year. So maybe that bit of arrogance backfired on him today.”

One of the other pundits in the studio, beside Keane, Daniel Sturridge, defended Van Dijk, but Keane was having none of it and went further into the "arrogance."

“That’s arrogance,” the Irishman said. “He says "Man United were buzzing’, ‘Only one team came to play." I came here many times when I was at United, when Liverpool was in a tough place, and they were happy with a draw," he added.

“Sometimes players need a reminder when they’re playing for clubs like Liverpool and everyone’s saying Man United is this and that — United is in a bad place, but for many a year Man United was in a good place. I wouldn’t be disrespecting clubs like he is.”

He continued: “Yeah, we were all expecting a (Liverpool win) … you still have to go and do it. That’s what great teams do, and teams that win championships every year do — the Man City, the Man Utds, the Liverpool of the ’80s.”

United plays West Ham next week, while Liverpool plays Arsenal.