Revealed: What fuming Liverpool stars said in the dressing room afterwards about Man United time-wasting after Virgil van Dijk confrontation
Virgil van Dijk confronted Man United goalkeeper Andre Onana in the tunnel after Liverpool’s 0-0 draw at Anfield on Sunday and digged at his opponent for constant time-wasting.
Liverpool had 34 shots during a tepid encounter, 16 more than they racked up in a 7-0 win in this fixture last season, but struggled to create clear-cut chance as Erik ten Hag’s defence successfully nullified the home side.
Liverpool’s players and supporters were left frustrated by Onana during the game as he took his time with each goal kick.
It was a theme shared by Van Dijk after the match, and he couldn’t resist having a swipe at the United goalkeeper in the tunnel after the game.
According to talkSPORT’s Alex Crook, the Dutchman said to Onana: “Because of you, we only played a half-hour game.”
Crook added that Onana simply responded with a smile.
It is believed, sources say, that Liverpool’s players were privately fuming in the dressing room after the match at the antics not only of the United keeper, but also the entire opposition team’s plan to keep the ball out of play for as long as possible.
They believe United’s only ambition was to secure a point and that contributed to a match that was lacking in goalmouth action or any of the excitement normally associated with the fixture.
Van Dijk was visibly annoyed during his post-match interview as he accused United of setting up for a bore draw.
“There was only one team trying to win the game,’ he said. “We want to win every game, of course, and that is why it is frustrating.
“Sometimes we shot too easy and could have passed on the overlap. The right decision was sometimes lacking.
“We carry on, of course, but it is frustrating because we were superior in all aspects. In the end, they are buzzing with a point, and we are disappointed with a point.
“Obviously, they are not in the best phase. Coming here, you are wary of the threat we have. We should have won it today. We have to learn from certain situations, and I know we will.”
In other news, Liverpool star slaughter big name after match and wonder ‘what on earth happened to him’?