Manchester United have faced no shortage of criticism in the aftermath of their 7-0 loss to Liverpool at the weekend, but one of the stranger post-match incidents involved Wout Weghorst.
Having only arrived at the club in January, the big Dutchman angered quite a few of their fans when footage emerged of him seemingly touching the 'This Is Anfield' sign before the game. Such a practice is common among Liverpool players as they head onto the pitch, but it was very odd to see an opposition player take part in the tradition.
Weghorst???🤣🤣🤣 pic.twitter.com/brEdW4oqaW
— george (@StokeyyG2) March 7, 2023
It's especially strange when the player in question is playing for Manchester United, one of Liverpool's biggest rivals.
Quotes from 2018 would surface soon after in which Weghorst hinted that he was a supporter of the Merseyside club while growing up.
I've dreamt of [playing for Liverpool] since childhood.
If I continue to train with full commitment, I think that opportunity will come.
However, his actions may not be down to any sort of fondness for the rival club.
Wout Weghorst gives odd explanation for touching Anfield sign
Wout Weghorst has now claimed that he did not touch the sign in the same manner of the Liverpool players heading out of the tunnel.
Taking to Instagram, he said that he was actually attempting to stop Dutch teammate Virgil van Dijk from doing so in order to wind him up. He also dismissed claims that he supported Liverpool as a child.
Wout Weghorst on touching the Anfield sign before Liverpool v Manchester United.#MUFC pic.twitter.com/b3CAoBuYZj
— Laurie Whitwell (@lauriewhitwell) March 7, 2023
Normally I never react on media topics, but for this one it's worth it because you amazing Manchester united fans are important to me. So I just want to clarify the video that is doing the rounds.
From the national team I know that Virgil always touches that sign and the only intention I had was to stop him touching it and wind him up before the game.
As a child I supported FC Twente, and as a proud player now for Manchester United, my dedication to this incredible club can never be questioned.
Sunday was a terrible day for all of us, we are putting everything into making it right in the next weeks. We will bounce back together an achieve our aims this season!
This is a bit of an odd explanation, as the footage shows that the striker was a couple of strides behind van Dijk in the tunnel and would not have been able to get between him and the sign.
It could be a case of saving face, or perhaps that really was his intention. Either explanation is equally strange.
SEE ALSO: Ten Hag Hits Manchester United Players With Humiliating Punishment After 7-0 Loss
