Captain Virgil van Dijk says his Liverpool team-mates understand the rivalry with Manchester United and admits matches against the Red Devils at Anfield have “that extra meaning for the fans”.
Liverpool are currently enjoying an impressive first season under Arne Slot. Slot’s side sit top of the Premier League and have the chance to be eight points clear with a game in hand when they host United on Sunday.
On the contrary, their fierce rivals, under new boss Rubén Amorim, have continued to fight this term. Despite beating Manchester City, United have lost their last three league games in a row without scoring and conceded seven in the process.
United are currently 14th in the table and Amorim recently admitted his team were in a battle to avoid relegation.
the pattern #LIVMUN program notes 🔴
Virgil van Dijk details the added meaning of tomorrow’s match with Manchester United ✊
-Liverpool FC (@LFC) January 4, 2025
But, in his notes for the official matchday programme, the Dutchman said he expects a tough test at Anfield and recognizes the added importance of the match.
“Every game is important when you play for this club,” Van Dijk wrote. “But of course a game at Anfield against United has extra meaning for the fans.
“We understand this rivalry and we know that there will be a special atmosphere, an atmosphere that we will try to use to our advantage as we look for the three points.
“Make no mistake, this will be a tough test. We know that United are not where they would like to be in the table and that they have had a difficult start to the season, but they still have top-class players, so it is important that we are focused from the first moment. whistle.”
The Reds captain also reflected on a good first half of the campaign, but insists there is still work to do.
“We know what success is based on. Safe quality, but also humility, sacrifice, work ethic and camaraderie. If we keep that always in the back of our minds, then those are the things that will get us to where we want to be.
“The platform we have given ourselves during the first months of the season is clear, but now we have to move forward.
“We don’t look at the standings or count the points we haven’t earned yet. We are focused only on the next game, the next challenge. Consistency is key, day by day and game by game.”
