Van Dijk breaks silence and ends Onana's criticism of him

Last week's Premier League fixture saw one of the most eagerly awaited games of the campaign, Liverpool vs Manchester United at Anfield Road, one of the oldest rivalries in English football, where defender Virgil van Dijk received a harsh accusation. The clash between the Reds and the Mancunians resulted in a goalless draw, with the Red Devils looking to close down space in the face of the home side's dominance of the ball, something that sparked a series of comments at the end of the game.

At the end of Liverpool's 0-0 draw with Manchester United at Anfield Road, Virgil van Dijk reportedly told goalkeeper André Onana: "Thanks to you we've only played for half an hour," according to talkSPORT, prompting him to be branded 'arrogant' by Roy Keane. To the former Manchester United player's assertions, Virgil van Dijk responded temperately and clarified that there was no arrogance in his actions.

"I like Roy Keane, if he said it that's fine. I understand why he reacted that way, because of his link to Manchester United, but there was no arrogance in my words," replied the Liverpool defender. The Reds, currently second in the Premier League with 38 points, face West Ham United tomorrow, Wednesday 20 December, in the League Cup Quarter-Finals at Anfield Road.

<strong>Van Dijk defends</strong>

Next up, Virgil van Dijk's Liverpool host Arsenal at home with the chance to snatch top spot in the Premier League, where they are just one point behind the Gunners after 17 games.