Only one team were trying to win: Virgil

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk during the match against Manchester United at Anfield on Sunday. Pic/Getty Images

Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk slammed Manchester United's defensive approach as he claimed there was "only one team trying to win" Sunday's 0-0 draw at Anfield.

Van Dijk was frustrated that struggling United opted for a cautious game plan that left little room for Liverpool to exploit. Liverpool's failure to break down United's defence cost them top spot in the Premier League as Arsenal took pole position following their win over Brighton.

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Taking a swipe at United's negative performance, which allowed Liverpool to have 34 shots but only eight on target, Van Dijk said: "If you see how we played the game, we had most of the ball and created some opportunities. There was only one team trying to win the game.

Decision-making lacking

"We want to win every game of course and that is why it is frustrating. Sometimes we shot too easy and could have passed on the overlap. The right decision was sometimes lacking."

Erik ten Hag

Van Dijk, who had a first-half header saved by Andre Onana, conceded he could understand why United were content to subdue Liverpool after such a difficult season, in contrast to the Reds's fine form. Urging Liverpool to learn from their failure to kill off United, Van Dijk said: "We carry on of course but it is frustrating because we were superior in all aspects.

"In the end they are buzzing with a point, and we are disappointed with a point. Obviously they are not in the best phase. Coming here you are wary of the threat we have. We should have won it today. We have to learn from certain situations, and I know we will."

Meanwhile, Erik ten Hag said Manchester United could take a lot of positives from their stalemate despite being dominated by the home side.

Ten Hag praises team

Ten Hag praised his embattled team, who last week lost 3-0 to Bournemouth before crashing out of the Champions League in midweek. "I think the performance was very good from our side," he told BBC. "The game plan went well, the players were brilliant, how they stuck together and were in the fight.

"My only criticism would be in possession we could hurt them more, if you get one, two, three passes in. If we scored one of the big opportunities we could have won this game," Ten Hag added.

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