18 December 2023 , 13:54
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Graeme Souness has told Virgil van Dijk to "get used to it" after the Liverpool defender lambasted Manchester United's tactics at Anfield.
The Reds missed the chance to go back top of the Premier League as they were held to a 0-0 draw at Anfield, despite having 34 attempts on goal. And the frustration of failing to see off a United team who arrived on Merseyside in apparent disarray was evident when the skipper spoke to the media afterwards.
"We carry on of course but it is frustrating because we were superior in all aspects," he said. "In the end they are buzzing with a point and we are disappointed with a point."
Sky Sports pundit Roy Keane took umbrage with the Dutchman's comments, labelling him "arrogant." Speaking on talkSPORT, Souness issued his blunt four-word message to the 32-year-old, but at the same time implied he agreed with him.
"Where I'd be critical of van Dijk is get used to it," he said on White and Jordan. " This is not a new thing for big teams, it was the same for Man United when they were the dominant force - teams going to Old Trafford trying to sit in, trying to nick the game. It's not a new thing for Liverpool.
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"I think it's understandable. You're frustrated, it's a game you've dominated, a game you're expected to win. Could have been a bit more magnanimous in his choice of words but he was right, wasn't he? There was only one team trying to win it.
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"In minute one they tried to win the game - Man United were in survival mode by the way they set out to play. Don't take my word for it, the stats tell you that. The initial words, although he maybe could have been a wee bit gentler in his choice of words, I think are correct. There was only one team that tried to win the game."
The legendary Scot also said Keane's words were born out of frustration, given his connection to the Red Devils. And co-pundit Simon Jordan echoed that view, arguing the Irishman's rant derived from his own disenchantment.
"Keane's turned it into a pantomime because he's irritated with how c**p Man United are," he said. Jordan added that the tactics of the visitors, who had 13 players unavailable for Sunday's clash, was a realistic indication of where they are currently at as a team.