Keane doubles down on Van Dijk row after 'arrogant' jibe at Liverpool captain

21 December 2023 , 11:10

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Keane doubles down on Van Dijk row after 'arrogant' jibe at Liverpool captain

Roy Keane has told Virgil van Dijk to 'admire different parts of the game' after the defender slammed Manchester United's playing style against Liverpool last Sunday.

Van Dijk took aim at Erik ten Hag's side after the goalless draw at Anfield by claiming "there was only one team trying to win the game". Liverpool had 34 shots on goal and 12 corners, while United managed just six attempts and failed to win a single corner.

Keane was staggered by Van Dijk's comments and said there was "obviously some arrogance coming out of him dissing United". The Red Devils legend added: "He needs to be reminded himself, he's playing for a team that's only won one title in 30-odd years."

Van Dijk quickly hit back at Keane. The Liverpool said: "I like Roy Keane, if he said that then it’s fine. He’s Manchester United through and through and I understand he could react like that. But I felt what I said and there is absolutely no arrogance in that."

Keane has now continued the row on the Stick to Football podcast. The ex-midfielder explained: "I saw Crystal Palace go to Manchester City (and get a 2-2 draw). Crystal Palace are no Manchester United, and you should see the way they were set up.

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"We all praised Roy Hodgson and they managed to get a draw. I didn’t see anyone from City criticising Crystal Palace. The fact they scored in the game might be slightly different.

Van Dijk wasn't impressed with Manchester United's playing style (Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images)

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"But I think when you’re going into certain games, survival is the name of the game. United will take the point. I didn’t see United after the game having over the top celebrations as if they were delighted to get away with a point - they would’ve taken it before the game."

Keane has faced criticism for his 'arrogant' jibe, with Gary Lineker taking Van Dijk's side on The Rest Is Football podcast. Lineker said: "We're talking about Manchester United like they’re a League Two team going to Anfield and hanging on for a draw."

Yet Keane has doubled down on his stance. He added: "He [Van Dijk] is entitled to his opinion as well, he’s entitled to maybe get something wrong.

"I’ve said things after games when I was at United and thought that it was a bit over the top, but that was generally against my own team. I don’t think ever in my career I criticised a team for the way they played, because every team must find [something] different. You have to admire that’s part of the game as well."

Tom Blow