Van Dijk Slams Liverpool Teammates After Home Defeat to Manchester United
Liverpool, October 19, 2025 – Virgil van Dijk was visibly frustrated after Liverpool’s 2–1 loss to Manchester United at Anfield, directing sharp criticism at his teammates following another disappointing result.
Liverpool fell behind within 61 seconds when Bryan Mbeumo capitalized on a lapse, though Cody Gakpo equalized in the second half after striking the post three times. However, Harry Maguire’s late header sealed a historic win for United, marking Liverpool’s fourth consecutive defeat across all competitions.
Speaking after the match, Van Dijk highlighted the defensive mistakes that contributed to United’s second goal:
“We conceded a very careless second goal. We fought hard to get back into the game and created excellent chances, but conceding like that is frustrating.”
The Dutch defender also criticized his teammates’ tempo and decision-making:
“Overall, we were far too rushed. United were patient—they didn’t press high but limited our possession. We had chances, yet we lost. It’s crucial we stay united, not just as players but as a club alongside our fans.”
Van Dijk reflected on the controversial first goal, noting Alexis Mac Allister’s head injury during the build-up:
“I believe the ball went out of play initially. My elbow made contact with a United player, causing him to fall. From that angle, scoring was difficult, and they took advantage. There was still time to fight back, but we didn’t capitalize.”
Looking ahead, he stressed the importance of maintaining confidence and teamwork:
“We must stay humble, work hard, and support each other. The season is long, and mentality is key when things get tough.”
Sky Sports analyst Jamie Redknapp added that Liverpool’s composure was lacking:
“Cody Gakpo had chances for three or four goals, yet Liverpool seemed desperate and lacked calm. The new signings showed promise, but after four losses, there are more questions than answers.”
