Weghorst apologises to Man Utd fans after Liverpool sign BLUNDER

Suraj Radia

• 7 Mar 2023 20:22 GMT
• 2 min read

Wout Weghorst has responded to criticism after he was seen touching the ‘This is Anfield’ sign in the tunnel prior to Manchester United’s disastrous 7-0 loss to Liverpool.

The Dutch striker has struggled since signing on loan from Burnley in January, netting just one goal in his 14 appearances, and his gesture drew fury from United fans as touching the sign is usually a mark of respect by Liverpool players.

However, Weghorst has since responded to the outrage with a post on his Instagram account, claiming he was ‘winding up’ his Dutch compatriot Virgil van Dijk.

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He wrote: “Normally I never react to media topics, but for this one it's worth it because you amazing Manchester United fans are important to me.

"From the national team I know that Virgil always touches the sign. The only intention I had was to stop him touching it and wind him up."

There were calls from some fans to terminate Weghorst’s contract and the 30-year-old now faces a difficult task of getting back into the good books of United supporters, having already been unconvincing on the pitch with his performances.

Weghorst denies that he is a boyhood Liverpool fan

Weghorst also clarified previous comments he had made where he had expressed his admiration for Liverpool, telling De Telegraaf in 2018 that he had ‘dreamed of playing for Liverpool since childhood.’

He had also told DAZN in 2020 that he found Liverpool ‘very special, saying: “I still get goosebumps from "You'll Never Walk Alone”.

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However, Weghorst hinted at the speculation, which had come up following the loss to Liverpool, revealing that he actually grew up supporting Dutch side FC Twente.

"As a child I always supported FC Twente, and as a proud player now for Manchester United my dedication to this club can never be questioned,” Weghorst said.

"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."