WOUT WEGHORST has given a bizarre explanation for touching the ‘This is Anfield’ sign before Manchester United’s hammering by Liverpool.
The on-loan striker was filmed touching the famous sign above the tunnel before Sunday’s 7-0 battering at the hands of the Reds.
United fans were quick to tear into the Dutchman after seeing the footage, so much so that he gave a lengthy explanation on social media.
He said: “Normally I never react on media topics, but for this one it’s worth it because you amazing United fans are so important to me.
“So I just want to clarify the video that is doing the rounds.
“From the national team, I know that Virgil [van Dijk] always touches that sign and the only intention I had was to stop him touching it and wind him up before the game.
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“As a child I always 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 and achieve our aims this season.”
The statement baffled the Old Trafford faithful, one of whom tweeted: “That’s some delayed reaction.”
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Another said: “What a load of b******s.”
And another said: “Who is he kidding lol.
“Would’ve been better to stay quiet instead of this silly lie.”
One remarked: “You weren’t tryna stop Virgil from touching the sign you silly, silly man.”
Another chimed in: “Tell you what that is an absolutely awful excuse.”
Defeat to the Reds ended a four-game win streak for the Red Devils and dented their faint hopes of winning the title.
Manager Erik ten Hag was furious with his troops’ display, saying: “It is quite obvious, it was unprofessional.
“First half, I think we were the better team – we created the better chances and had two one-on-ones with the goalie.
“Before half-time, we made one organisational mistake and conceded a goal.
“We were in the game. It really surprised me after half-time, we gave the game [away] so quickly.
“The first two goals were defensive transition moments, the first was a turnover and the second was a counter, bad decisions and decisions on the ball.
“How we conceded the goals is really annoying. The third was a counter with unprofessional decisions – not following in, and then running in, moving forwards, giving space away in midfield, not tracking back.
“So then it is 3-0 and the game is lost, but as a team you have to stick together.
“That is what we didn’t do. It is a surprise for me, I didn’t see this from my team.
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“I don’t think it is us. I don’t think it is Manchester United. It was really bad, really poor.”
United will look to bounce back from their Anfield annihilation on Thursday in the first leg of their Europa League last-16 tie with Real Betis.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
