Captain Virgil van Dijk says his Liverpool teammates perceive the rivalry with Manchester United and admits video games towards the Purple Devils at Anfield maintain “that little bit of additional which means for supporters”.
Liverpool are at the moment having fun with a powerful in Arne Slot’s first season in cost. Slot’s facet sit prime of the Premier League and have the possibility to go eight factors clear with a sport in hand after they host United on Sunday.
Against this, their fierce rivals, underneath new boss Ruben Amorim, have continued to wrestle this time period. Regardless of beating Manchester Metropolis, United have misplaced their final three league video games on the bounce with out scoring and conceding seven within the course of.
United are at the moment 14th within the desk, with Amorim admitting not too long ago his crew had been in a battle to keep away from relegation.
The skipper’s #LIVMUN programme notes 🔴
Virgil van Dijk particulars the added significance of tomorrow’s assembly with Manchester United ✊
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) January 4, 2025
However, in his notes for the official matchday programme, the Dutchman mentioned he’s anticipating a troublesome take a look at at Anfield and recognises the added significance of the fixture.
“Each sport is massive once you play for this membership,” Van Dijk wrote. “However after all a sport at Anfield towards United has that little bit of additional which means for supporters.
“We perceive this rivalry and we all know that there can be a particular ambiance, one we are going to look to make use of to our benefit as we go after the three factors.
“Make no mistake, this can be a troublesome take a look at. We all know that United aren’t the place they wish to be within the league desk and that they’ve had a troublesome begin to the season, however they nonetheless have prime gamers so it is necessary that we’re on it and targeted from the very first whistle.”
The Reds skipper additionally mirrored on a powerful first half of the marketing campaign, however insists there may be nonetheless work to be carried out.
“We all know what success is constructed on. High quality for positive, but additionally humility, sacrifice, work ethic and togetherness. If we hold that on the entrance of our minds at all times, then these are the issues that can take us to the place we wish to be.
“The platform we now have given ourselves all through the opening months of the season is obvious, however we now have to push on from right here now.
“We’re not wanting on the league desk or counting factors we haven’t gained but. We’re targeted solely on the subsequent sport, the subsequent problem. Consistency is essential, day after day and sport to sport.”
