Captain Virgil van Dijk says his Liverpool teammates understand the rivalry with Manchester United and admits games against the Red Devils at Anfield have “that little extra meaning for the fans”.
Liverpool are currently enjoying an impressive first season in charge of Arne Slot. Slot’s side are top of the Premier League and have the chance to go eight points clear with a game in hand when they host United on Sunday.
In contrast, their fierce rivals, led by new boss Ruben Amorim, have continued to struggle this season. Despite beating Manchester City, United have lost their last three league matches on the bounce without scoring and conceding seven in the process.
United are currently 14th in the table, with Amorim recently admitting his side were fighting to avoid relegation.
That of the skipper #LIVMUN program notes 🔴
Virgil van Dijk details the added importance of tomorrow’s Manchester United encounter ✊
–Liverpool FC (@LFC) January 4, 2025
But, in his notes for the matchday’s official programme, the Dutchman said he expected a tough test at Anfield and recognized the added importance of this encounter.
“Every game is important when you play for this club,” Van Dijk wrote. “But of course a game at Anfield against United has that little extra meaning for the fans.
“We understand this rivalry and we know there will be a special atmosphere, which we will look to use to our advantage as we go for 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 players so it is important that we are on that and focused from the start. whistle.”
The Reds skipper also spoke of a good first half of the campaign, but insists there is still work to do.
“We know what success comes from. Quality of course, but also humility, sacrifice, work ethic and friendliness. If we always keep this in mind, then these are the things that will take us to where we want to be.
“The platform we have given ourselves throughout the first months of the season is clear, but we must continue from now on.
“We don’t look at the standings or count the points we haven’t earned yet. We only focus on the next match, the next challenge. Consistency is key, day to day and game to game.
