Man Utd striker issues ‘apology’ after ‘This Is Anfield’ sign controversy in Liverpool defeat

Manchester United’s Wout Weghorst has issued a statement after he was criticised for appearing to touch the ‘This Is Anfield’ sign before their defeat to Liverpool at the weekend.

The striker came under fire from his own supporters after he was recorded touching the sign as the two teams walked out ahead of kick-off. It is a tradition usually carried out by Liverpool players and added salt to the wounds for United fans after their 7-0 thrashing.

However, Weghorst was quick to defend himself after the video went viral. In a statement posted on his social media, the Dutchman said: “Normally I never react on media topics, but for this one, it’s worth it because you amazing United fans are important to me. So I just want to clarify the video that is doing the rounds.

“From the national team, I know that Virgil always touches that sign and I went to stop him touching it to try and wind him up before the game. 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!”

Fans were split in their reaction to Weghorst’s statement, though old quotes from the forward certainly didn’t help his case. Speaking to GOAL in 2020, Weghorst said: “I always found Liverpool very special. I still get goosebumps from ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’. There are other great English clubs too, and I always liked Milan because so many Dutch played there. I am ambitious and want to get ahead.”

The striker joined the Red Devils in a surprise loan move from Burnley in January and has since started ten matches in all competitions but is yet to score in the Premier League.