Rio Ferdinand says he 'didn't like' what Virgil van Dijk did for Manchester United's opening goal against Liverpool on Monday night.
The Reds suffered their first league defeat of the season as their winless start continued at Old Trafford. Jadon Sancho opened the scoring in the first half for United, who had lost their opening two matches, before Marcus Rashford doubled their' lead shortly after the break. A late effort from Mohamed Salah could have spurred a comeback but Jurgen Klopp 's side were unable to find an equaliser in the closing stages of the game.
A criticism of Liverpool 's performance has centred around their defensive vulnerabilities. And after Sancho's goal, there was a heated exchange between Van Dijk and vice-captain James Milner.
PAUL GORST: On-pitch arguments, mounting injuries and why Liverpool's ambitions could be over when window shuts
IAN DOYLE: FSG need to come to Jurgen Klopp's aid as Liverpool face £200m problem
Ferdinand highlighted the incident in a post-match discussion and went on to compare what Van Dijk did in that situation to a similar scenario involving United's new signing Lisandro Martinez, who impressed.
“Did you see the argument after the goal with James Milner? Came up screaming to Virgil Van Dijk because he was telling him ‘get up, go to the ball’," the former Red Devils centre-back said on his YouTube channel. "It’s mad because (Lisandro) Martinez in the second half had a similar situation, not as clear cut in the middle of the goal, but the ball bounced off him and went to one of the Liverpool players.
"He sprinted out to let the ball hit him anywhere, he was willing to take the ball anywhere. But I think Van Dijk sometimes gets caught like that where he doesn’t actually come out and press.
"Hands behind his back, I don’t like that stuff anyway, but he could have been accused of just standing and waiting instead of going and dominating that situation like you normally do see with Virgil, to be fair.”
Liverpool are next in action at home to Bournemouth on Saturday before they host Newcastle United at Anfield next Wednesday. Early September sees a visit to Merseyside rivals Everton at Goodison Park.
READ NEXT
-
Virgil van Dijk and Roberto Firmino problems arise as reality bites for Jurgen Klopp
-
Andy Robertson makes big Liverpool dressing room admission after Manchester United defeat
-
What Bruno Fernandes said to Jurgen Klopp in 'emotional' exchange after Liverpool defeat
-
'I know it sounds ridiculous' - Jurgen Klopp tries to explain Liverpool defeat to Manchester United
-
Naby Keita injury update as Jurgen Klopp makes bleak Liverpool training claim
