Gary Lineker takes sides in Virgil van Dijk vs Roy Keane “arrogant” row with pointed dig

Roy Keane called Virgil van Dijk conceited after the captain of Liverpool chastised Manchester United for their strategy during their Premier League match on Sunday.

Gary Lineker has sided with Virgil van Dijk in the argument concerning the strategies Manchester United used to defeat Liverpool.

On Sunday, United held the Reds to a scoreless draw at Anfield, and Van Dijk insisted that his team had not been playing to win. But legendary United captain Roy Keane responded angrily to the Dutchman’s criticism of his rivals.

The Irishman called the captain of Liverpool “arrogant” for his opinions on the strategies Erik ten Hag came up with. Though Lineker, a former player for Barcelona, now seems to be in support of Van Dijk, calling United a “League Two team” because of their style of play.

“That squib was wet, wasn’t it? The game hardly offered a legitimate chance. Regarding the game, Lineker told the podcast The Rest is Football, “The only part I enjoyed about it was watching Trent’s passing.”

“Watching Jonny Evans punt the ball down the touchline in the hopes that Antony could somehow get on the end of it and win a throw in has become the highlight of the game,” my friend who supports Manchester United texted me.

“We’re talking about Manchester United like they’re a League Two team going to Anfield and hanging on for a draw.”

Virgil van Dijk sparked a row after hitting out at Manchester United for their tactics in the draw with Liverpool ( Image: Paul Currie/REX/Shutterstock)

Van Dijk was extremely irritated because his team had 34 shots and controlled the possession. However, they were unable to get past Andre Onana and lost their position atop the Premier League as a result, which prompted the captain of the Reds to criticize the visitors’ strategies.

“You can see how we controlled the majority of the ball and generated some opportunities throughout the game. There was just one team vying for the victory. It is annoying since, of course, we want to win every game,” he said to Sky Sports.

Naturally, we continue, but it annoys us because we were better in every way. Ultimately, they have a point that excites them, and we have a point that disappoints us. They are obviously not at their best. You are cautious about our threat when you come here. We ought to have prevailed.”

However, Keane took offense at his remarks and called the defender “arrogant”. Keane insisted that Liverpool was the only ones at fault and that United had done nothing wrong by playing for a draw.

“We heard Van Dijk talk, and it was clear that he was acting haughtily when disparaging United in that way. “He needs to remind himself that he plays for a team that hasn’t won a championship in a good thirty years or so,” he remarked.

“Man United finds itself in a challenging situation, much like Liverpool has for a considerable amount of time. Perhaps that bit of conceit came back to haunt him today. He needs to keep in mind his origins. Yes, he should remind himself that Liverpool has only won one league title in the last thirty years. You shouldn’t always get too attached to yourself.