Roy Keane delivered a blistering critique of Virgil van Dijk’s defending after Liverpool’s 2-1 defeat to Manchester United, calling on the Reds captain to “look in the mirror.”
Roy Keane launched a scathing attack on Virgil van Dijk after Liverpool’s 2-1 loss to Manchester United at Anfield, urging the Dutch defender to take responsibility for the team’s poor form. The defeat marked Liverpool’s fourth consecutive loss in all competitions.
Van Dijk admitted after the game that Liverpool “conceded a very sloppy second goal” and were “far too rushed,” as Harry Maguire’s late header sealed United’s win. But Keane pointed to Van Dijk’s role in United’s first goal, which came just over a minute into the match after he accidentally collided with Alexis Mac Allister, leaving the Reds exposed.
“When you’re a centre half and you’re a big player… I’d be looking at him and asking, ‘what are you doing?’” Keane told Sky Sports. “Always start with the man in the mirror.” He added that Van Dijk, as captain, must “have a good look at himself” amid the team’s defensive lapses.
Liverpool boss Arne Slot, meanwhile, urged calm despite the club’s worst run since 2014. “If we can keep producing what we are doing and do a few things a little bit better, then there is every reason to expect that we start to win football games again,” Slot said.
He insisted that Liverpool’s missed chances, not officiating or injuries, were to blame for their latest setback.