Captain Virgil van Dijk says his Liverpool team-mates 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 run in Arne Slot’s first season in charge. The slot team sit 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 bitter rivals, under new boss Ruben Amorim, have continued to struggle this term. Despite Manchester City’s win, United have lost their last three league games without scoring and conceding seven in the process.
United are currently 14th in the table, with Amorim recently admitting his side were in a battle to avoid relegation.
The governor’s #LIVMUN program notes 🔴
Virgil van Dijk details the added importance of tomorrow’s meeting with Manchester United ✊
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) January 4, 2025
But in his notes on the matchday’s official schedule, the Dutchman said he expects a tough test at Anfield and acknowledges the added importance of the match.
“Every game is big 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, one we will try to use to our advantage as we go after the 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 league 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 in it and focus from the start. whistle.”
The Reds skipper also reflected on a strong first half of the campaign but insists there is still work to be done.
“We know what success is based on. Quality for sure, but also humility, sacrifice, work ethic and camaraderie. If we always keep that in the front of our minds, then these are the things that will get us where we want to be.
“The platform we’ve given ourselves in the first few months of the season is clear, but we have to move on from here now.
“We don’t look at the league table or count points we haven’t won yet. We are only focused on the next game, the next challenge. Consistency is the key, day after day and game after game.”
