‘Man Untd were disrespected’: Virgil van Dijk shares opinion on Amorims’ team

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has insisted that Manchester United were “disrespected” ahead of Sunday’s 2-2 draw at Anfield.

The Reds looked like they will be running away with all three points but a late equaliser from Amad Diallo denied Liverpool the victory. Arne Slot’s side had cancelled out Lisandro Martínez’s strike with goals from Cody Gakpo and Mohamed Salah.

Having lost three games in a row before their trip to Merseyside, Liverpool were tipped to win but Ruben Amorim’s side turned in arguably their most impressive performance of the season.

Van Dijk has now admitted that he feels the media underestimated United before the game.

“Do I feel United were disrespected? Yeah,” Van Dijk said after the match. “I heard in the press conference someone asked if we were going to rotate players against United.

“I was shocked. It is one of the biggest games of the season and United will always make it tough. To hear that, I was surprised.

“We are playing against a good opponent. I think everyone from the outside world forgets that judging by the sound that had been going around before the game. They have good players. They are obviously a work in progress like we are but they made it difficult for us.”

Van Dijk also defended teammate Trent Alexander-Arnold, who has faced criticism for his lacklustre display against United.

“No. I am fine with it,” the centre-back said. “Trent has his own people around him, his family and we are there as well.

“He wants to perform in the best way possible like we all do. That is the main focus. In my opinion, maybe ask him, that is the distraction, the game.”