Wout Weghorst explains Anfield sign controversy was to 'wind up' Virgil van Dijk ahead of Liverpool v Manchester United

Manchester United striker Wout Weghorst has said the reason he touched the 'This is Anfield' sign ahead of his side’s recent match at Liverpool was an attempt to «wind up» Virgil van Dijk. The two Dutchmen are team-mates for their national team but were on opposite sides for the latest battle between the Premier League arch rivals.

Ad Traditionally, touching the sign, which sits above the tunnel leading to the pitch at Anfield, is something home players would do as a superstition. Champions LeagueUEFA to refund Liverpool fans who had tickets for 2022 Champions League final16 HOURS AGO However, footage of Weghorst touching the sign emerged following the game, to much surprise, from United fans in particular.

The images wouldn’t have helped their collective mood having witnessed their side lose the match 7-0 – the club’s heaviest defeat for 92 years. Weghorst, currently on loan from Championship side Burnley, has sought to clarify his actions, claiming it was an attempted form of mind games, and dispelling any suggestion he had any sort of personal attachment to Liverpool.

«Normally I never react on media topics,” he wrote on Instagram. “But for this one it's worth it because you amazing Manchester United fans are important to me.

I just want to clarify the video that is doing the rounds. »From the national team I know that Virgil always touches the sign and the only intention I had was to stop him touching it and wind him up before the game." Newcastle enter race to sign Mount, Pochettino eyes Spurs reunion — Paper Round 'It was a joke' — Bellingham, Can fume at Chelsea retaken penalty decision IWD: 'Thanks to sport I am here today' — Torrecilla's cancer fight and her message to women «As a child I always supported FC