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Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Echo
Sport
Richard Garnett

Man United player made huge mistake in Anfield tunnel ahead of Liverpool defeat

Many people dream of touching the famous This is Anfield sign at Liverpool Football Club, but not usually the centre-forward of Manchester United.

For decades, Liverpool players have placed their hands on the iconic wall-hanging for good luck, as they trot down the tunnel onto the historic Anfield turf, giving the simple gesture a mystical power of it's own.

In recent years, Jurgen Klopp has put in a club rule, stating that players can only touch the sign after they have won something at the club. But that didn't stop Red Devils striker Wout Weghorst from forgetting why he was there on Sunday, before his team were swept away 7-0 on a never-to-be-forgotten afternoon at Anfield.

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Liverpool's popular Inside Anfield video captures behind-the-scenes footage on a matchday to help supporters feel closer to the action. And an eagle-eyed camera included in this weekend's reel caught the Netherlands international touching the sign himself as he walked through the tunnel.

Supporters have the opportunity to place their fingers on the frame by paying a fee to do the Anfield stadium tour, but clearly identifying the chance to make himself a saving, the United man took his moment for free, even though he was representing the club's fiercest rivals.

Weghorst's decision-making may appear questionable, not aided by the fact that United ended up on the end of a 7-0 hiding - their worst-ever result against Liverpool, but it turns out that the 30-year-old Dutchman does not detest the Reds of Merseyside anywhere near as much as most people associated with the club from Old Trafford.

An historic report in Holland confirms that touching the This is Anfield sign has been on the 6ft 6" forward's bucket list for quite some time. According to Dutch outlet De Telegraaf (as per Goal.com) in 2018, Wout said: "I've dreamt of [playing for Liverpool] since childhood. If I continue to train with full commitment, I think that opportunity will come.

"Of course, something like that depends on several factors. You have to stay fit and a coach and club must see it in you, but apart from that you can create many things in life for yourself."

Weghorst's uncomfortable spot of stadium tourism may have been the highlight of Liverpool's Inside Anfield footage this week, but Manchester United midfielder Fred clearly also wanted a piece of the action. As Erik ten Hag's players ran out to warm up before the game, greeted by boos, the Brazilian international could be seen in the tunnel making a shushing noise, to the amusement of teammate Tyrell Malacia.

Fred's hopes of keeping the Anfield crowd quiet were soon abandoned once it started raining goals at the Kop end.

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