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Roy Keane has laid into Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk following the Reds’ 2-1 defeat against Manchester United on Sunday.
Arne Slot’s side looked defensively sloppy and disjointed once again at Anfield as the team’s losing run extended to four games in all competitions. Milos Kerkez struggled to contain Amad down Liverpool’s left, Conor Bradley was again hooked in the second half, while Van Dijk was at fault for the opening goal as he failed to track Bryan Mbuemo’s run into the box.
After Cody Gakpo equalized late in the 78th minute, Harry Maguire then popped up with a late winner to end United’s long winless run at Anfield.
As usual, Van Dijk fronted up after the game and addressed Liverpool’s disappointing performance in front of the Sky Sports cameras.
But the Dutchman cut an exasperated figure for much of the game and criticized Kerkez in the second period. Speaking afterwards, Keane pointed the finger of blame at Van Dijk and said he needs to “start with the man in the mirror”.
“Liverpool did look edgy and they do look like they’re forcing things. The balance and chemistry isn't quite there,” the Irishman said in Sky Sports’ post-match assessment.
“When you’re a big player who signed a new contract but when you're giving up loads of goals, I would be looking at him, as the leader of the team, saying: 'What are you doing?'
“He is the big leader of the team. A couple of years ago, he was critical of United coming here and parking the bus but they scored two today and two last year, and you’re the center-half of this team.
“Always start with the man in the mirror and look at yourself. He’s a big leader, but if you’re the center-half and your team are giving up loads of goals, and you have had all these new people coming to your club, you need to have a good luck at yourself. ‘Am I helping these lads out? Am I getting a grip of people?’
“The incident with the goal, you give United plaudits, but I do look at him and wonder if he is really sprinting back.
“What happens when you become champions, the biggest challenge is the next year because people are going after you,” Keane added.
“Liverpool just before the [second] goal almost gifted them giving the ball away cheaply. They are moments where Van Dijk has to say ‘lads, calm down’.”
The defeat against United leaves Liverpool third in the table and trailing leader Arsenal by four points.
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