Why did Manchester United forward Wout Weghorst touch the ‘This is Anfield’ sign?

Manchester United forward Wout Weghorst has explained why he touched the ‘This is Anfield’ sign prior to the club’s 7-0 defeat to Liverpool on Sunday.

The Netherlands international was criticised after touching the sign at Anfield but has since stated that he did it to “wind up” Liverpool captain and Netherlands team-mate Virgil van Dijk.

Full screen

Winding up Virgil

“Normally I never react on media topics, but for this one it’s worth it because you amazing Manchester United fans are important to me. So I just want to clarify the video that is doing the rounds,” Weghorst wrote on Instagram.

“From the national team I know that Virgil always touches that sign and the only intention I had was to stop him touching it 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.”