Van Dijk slams Manchester United’s defensive approach

Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk slammed Manchester United’s defensive approach as he claimed there was “only one team trying to win” Sunday’s 0-0 draw at Anfield.

The defender was frustrated that struggling United opted for a cautious game plan that left little room for Liverpool to exploit.

Liverpool’s failure to break down United’s massed defence cost them top spot in the Premier League as Arsenal took pole position following their win over Brighton.

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VAN DIJK

Taking a swipe at United’s negative performance, which allowed Liverpool to have 34 shots but only eight on target, Van Dijk said: “If you see how we played the game, we had most of the ball and created some opportunities. There was only one team trying to win the game.

“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.”

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Virgil, who had a first-half header saved by Andre Onana, conceded he could understand why United were content to subdue Liverpool after such a difficult season, in contrast to the Reds’ fine form.

Urging Liverpool to learn from their failure to kill off United, Van Dijk said: “We carry on of course but it is frustrating because we were superior in all aspects.

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“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.”

‘WE WERE IN A RUSH’

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Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp insisted his side had been even more dominant than in their 7-0 demolition of United last season.

But the German admitted Liverpool had let themselves down by hurrying their attacks in key moments.

“I saw a lot of good things, the one thing I don’t like is the result. We should have scored. We were in a rush in moments,” he said.

“Our counter-pressing was good as a group, and we didn’t let them out. I can’t remember such a dominant performance against Man Utd – even the 7-0.

“Now it’s 0-0 they probably feel slightly better than us. But we take the point and keep going.”

Unlike Van Dijk, Klopp was not surprised by United’s refusal to attack in numbers.

“It was the type of game I expected. If we play like this it is difficult for the opposite team to get out of their own half and the way United defending was clean with a lot of passion,” he said.

“We tried everything and the numbers we created – in terms of shots – is crazy. But with that amount of shots, they should be a few more on target. That was our fault today and we go from here.”

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Asked if he was frustrated not to take advantage of United’s recent struggles, Klopp added: “What everyone says only helps United. Why should we listen to that?

“They were fired up and I can’t remember a game where they turn up with a white flag. It doesn’t happen.”

© Agence France-Presse