07 March 2023 , 21:58
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Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher has poked fun at Manchester United striker Wout Weghorst while the striker faces backlash for touching the 'This is Anfield' sign before the two teams met last Sunday.
The sign hangs proudly in the Anfield tunnel and is often affectionately touched by Reds players before they make their way out onto the pitch. It is not commonplace for opposition players to do so, certainly not United players given the fierce rivalry between the two teams.
With that in mind, Weghorst has attempted to quell the storm by releasing a short statement addressing the controversy, which has been uploaded to his social media profile. It reads: "Normally I never react on media topics, but for this one, it's worth it because you amazing United fans are important to me. So I just want to clarify the video that is doing the rounds.
"From the National team, I know that Virgil always touches that sign and I went to stop him touching it to try and wind him up before the game.
"As a child I always supported FC Twente, and as a proud player now for Manchester United, my dedication to this incredible club can never be questioned."
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His final remark puts an end to the rumours that Weghorst was in fact a boyhood Liverpool fan growing up and that is why he touched the sign.
Jamie Carragher retweeted a tweet mocking Weghorst's statementHAVE YOUR SAY! Did Weghorst's statement justify his conduct in the Anfield tunnel? Comment below
Weghorst's explanation has not gone down well with Carragher, who publicly retweeted a Liverpool fan account's comment on the statement accompanied by a caption that mocked the Netherlands international's statement as well as comparing it to an excuse given by Nottingham Forest goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey.
The Welshman was pictured seemingly doing a Nazi salute, but he claimed he was simply waving at another team-mate.
As for Weghorst, the forward has come in for serious criticism for his on-pitch contributions as well.
United legend Paul Scholes slammed the Dutchman in the aftermath of Sunday's 7-0 drubbing, claiming Weghorst isn't of the required attacking level to play for the Red Devils.
"Weghorst is in the team to be a defender, really," Scholes told Premier League Productions. You’re talking about a Manchester United No.10 or a centre-forward, [but] he’s in the team to be defensive.
"He’s the one who runs about and rats about and everybody likes playing with him because he does that. But quality-wise as well you’ve got to have a certain level of quality to play for Man United… it’s not there."