Virgil van Dijk hits back at Roy Keane's 'arrogant' dig after Manchester United vs Liverpool

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has denied being arrogant when he criticised Manchester United's defensive play at Anfield.

The Dutchman's comments sparked a reaction from ex-United player Roy Keane, who called them arrogant and disrespectful. "He needs a reminder himself; he's playing for a club that have won the title once in 30-odd years," Keane retorted.

Van Dijk has now defended his post-match words, saying there was no arrogance, just honesty. "I like Roy Keane, if he said that then it's fine," he responded. "He is Man United throughout and I understand he could react like that but I felt what I said and there is absolutely no arrogance in that.

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"Everyone who watched the game probably felt the same. We move on. We had the opportunity and we couldn't score and that's the frustrating part." The draw was the first time since April that Jurgen Klopp's team failed to score, ending a record-equalling run of 34 matches.

The 34 shots they attempted was their highest number since 2003-04 without scoring. Liverpool defender Van Dijk said the team might be trying too hard, especially in their recent game.

"Maybe (we were) trying to force it a little bit at times and we could have made a better decision but it was hard to break the low block down," he said. "You push, you push, you push and try to do everything in your power but it was one of those days we couldn't find the right decision to score a goal.

"At times I won't say every time we forced it too much to find a solution which wasn't there but that's football."

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