Roy Keane, the iconic Manchester United figure, has held Liverpool‘s Virgil Van Dijk responsible for the Reds’ 2-1 loss against Manchester United.
Roy Keane has openly questioned the current form and leadership qualities of Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk, implying that the defender must take accountability amid the club’s ongoing struggles.
The reigning Premier League champions endured their fourth consecutive defeat across all competitions on Sunday, succumbing 2-1 to their fierce rivals Manchester United at Anfield.
Following the match, Van Dijk urged his teammates to maintain composure, but Keane, now a pundit for Sky Sports, interpreted the defender’s remarks as an attempt to shift blame away from himself.
“Liverpool appeared tense and seemed to be rushing their play. The team’s balance and cohesion just aren’t clicking right now,” Keane remarked.
“As the central defender and a key figure, especially after signing a major contract last year amid speculation about his future, Van Dijk should be scrutinizing his own performances given the number of goals Liverpool have conceded.”
Keane didn’t hold back in questioning Van Dijk’s leadership, adding, “A couple of seasons ago, he criticized Manchester United for parking the bus here. Yet, they’ve managed to score twice today and did the same last year. As the backbone of the defense, he needs to start by reflecting on his own role because leadership begins with self-assessment.”