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

The Netherlands international was criticised after touching the sign at Anfield.

Manchester United's Dutch striker Wout Weghorst controls the ball during the English Premier League football match between Liverpool and Manchester United at Anfield in Liverpool, north west England on March 5, 2023. (Photo by Paul ELLIS / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. /
PAUL ELLIS | AFP
Kieran Quaile
Kieran has been covering soccer for five years, featuring on publications such as The Guardian and The Modern Footballer, having previously worked in the tech industry in Ireland. He joined the AS USA team in 2020, where he covers the Premier League, Champions League, LaLiga, MLS and Liga MX.
Update:

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.

Why did Manchester United forward Wout Weghorst touch the ‘This is Anfield’ sign?
Manchester United's Dutch striker Wout Weghorst passes the ball during the Premier League match between Liverpool and Manchester United at Anfield in Liverpool.PAUL ELLIS

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.

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“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.”

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