Van Dijk 'probably said something he regrets' after furious Roy Keane reaction

20 December 2023 , 18:05

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Van Dijk 'probably said something he regrets' after furious Roy Keane reaction

Former Manchester United star Dimitar Berbatov has suggested Liverpool ace Virgil van Dijk may regret his comments after Sunday night's 0-0 draw between the two rivals.

Jurgen Klopp's side dominanted proceedings at Anfield but had to make do with a point and come full-time, Van Dijk seemed to take a not-so-subtle dig at United's approach to the game. The Netherlands international claimed that only one side was actually trying to win the game in what many felt was a comment aimed at United's defensive system.

The comments did not go down well with Red Devils legend Roy Keane, who was part of Sky Sports' coverage of the clash. The United icon hit back at Van Dijk's interview and explained: "He needs a reminder himself; he’s playing for a club that have won the title once in 30-odd years."

Berbatov has since had his say on the saga, insisting that both parties involved were not exactly wrong, but that perhaps the timing of Van Dijk's comments played a part in what he actually said. The ex-United forward told Betfair: "Straight after the game when emotions are high and you're disappointed, as Virgil van Dijk was after Sunday's draw, you'll probably say something that you later regret. I can understand it.

"Liverpool tried to use their home advantage and United were the more defensive side but who can blame them after the last couple of games. In all fairness to Roy Keane, he's always critical of United players when he needs to be and when he needs to defend the team, he'll do that as well. He was right in saying that Liverpool have only won one league title in 33 years."

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Berbatov did go on to concede that Van Dijk's comments were hardly invalid, adding: "Van Dijk has a right to express his anger and disappointment after the game and Keane was right to express his views. The truth is probably somewhere in between."

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Virgil van Dijk was frustrated with the way Manchester United set up on Sunday (Sky Sports)

The Liverpool captain has since addressed Keane's response himself and opted to try and take the sting out of the situation. Though Van Dijk stood by his initial assessment, he made clear he also understood why the Old Trafford hero reacted in such fashion.

"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."

Josh O'Brien