19 December 2023 , 12:30
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Liverpool legend Phil Thompson has hit back at Roy Keane after he labelled Virgil van Dijk "arrogant", telling him: "Roy, get a life!"
Liverpool skipper Van Dijk claimed that his side were the only team looking to win Sunday's meeting with Manchester United at Anfield, as Erik ten Hag's side held the Reds to a goalless draw. United claimed a share of the spoils having been soundly beaten by Bournemouth at Old Trafford the previous week, before being knocked out of the Champions League.
Jurgen Klopp's men dominated proceedings on Merseyside, but couldn't find a scoring touch, much to the annoyance of Van Dijk.
Former United captain Keane was far from pleased with Van Dijk's post-match comments and hit back immediately, declaring: "He needs to be reminded himself, he's playing for a team that's only won one title in 30-odd years. He said only one team wanted to win, Man United are buzzing with the point. Man United are in a difficult place, like Liverpool have been in a difficult place for many a year. So maybe that bit of arrogance backfired on him today."
Having seen Keane's comments on Sky Sports, Van Dijk responded, saying: “He’s Man United through and through 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.
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"I felt what I said was right and we move on.”
Now Thompson, who made 477 appearances and won 23 major honours during a trophy-laden Kop career, has offered his thoughts on Keane's comments and the post-match row.
“I don’t think he was arrogant, I just think he was giving his opinion,” insisted Thompson. “As Roy gives his opinion, as Gary [Neville] gives his opinion. It wasn’t arrogant by any means. I would say it was frustration.
“I really feel as though, you’ve come off that game, you now you’ve dominated, Manchester United have had that one chance with [Rasmus] Hojlund, and you’ve just felt frustration. Arrogance wasn’t in it.”
Continuing on talkSPORT, Thompson added: “And for Roy Keane to be talking about arrogance in people… come on, do me a favour.
“And I love Roy…but I played that back and he just kept repeating the word. Roy, just get a life!”