Virgil van Dijk branded “naive” as Erik ten Hag defended for frustrating Liverpool tactics

The strategies used by Manchester United to earn a draw at Anfield infuriated Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk, but the defender has come under fire for his remarks.

Virgil van Dijk, the captain of Liverpool, has come under fire from Ally McCoist, who called the defender “naive” for choosing to criticize Manchester United’s strategies.

After United successfully frustrated the Reds to hold on to a goalless draw at Anfield on Sunday, Van Dijk was incensed. He said that the visitors were only setting up to neutralize the dangerous attack of his team, not to win the game.

Despite having 34 shots and dominating possession, Liverpool was unable to get past Andre Onana. Van Dijk was clearly displeased with United’s tactics, given that they had fewer shots than their opponents.

“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.

We occasionally shot too easily and had the opportunity to pass on the overlap. Sometimes the right choice was not made. 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.

“It is evident that they are not at their best. You are cautious about our threat when you come here. We ought to have prevailed today. Certain situations require us to learn, and I’m sure we will.”

Virgil van Dijk has been slammed for his comments about Manchester United’s tactics ( Image: Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images)

McCoist, however, did not find resonance with Van Dijk’s arguments. Rather, the legendary player for Rangers chastised the Netherlands international, maintaining that Liverpool was solely to blame for their inability to score.

“I’m a little taken aback; it’s clear he’s frustrated. Still, it’s a naive observation. I saw only the highlights—I mean, the game appeared to be really subpar. He said to talkSPORT, “It didn’t look good.

“I believe Hojlund also had a decent opportunity to score. The truth is that they become defensive, hard to deal with, frustrated, and they understand the point. I believe that Virgil van Dijk’s statement was likely made in a frustrated manner.

Everyone expected Liverpool to win the match given their current performance. He took a small bite, but they didn’t do it. It’s not the most ingenious of statements, I don’t know. Getting the best outcome possible for Manchester United is his responsibility.

“It is Liverpool’s responsibility to break them down; if that means playing defensively, that is not his problem. To be fair, Ten Hag makes a point that, to be honest, I didn’t think they would. I have no issues, so fair play to him.”