Manchester United striker Wout Weghorst has come out to clear the air after receiving backlash for his action at Anfield in Sunday's defeat to Liverpool. The Dutch international appeared to have touched the "This Is Anfield" signage on his way out of the host club's dressing room, a gesture that has since draw massive criticism onto the player.
Weghorst joined Manchester United on loan in the winter transfer window and has since been a mainstay in the side. Despite his inability to get the goals, the former Besiktas attacker has made valuable contributions to the remarkable run the Red Devils have enjoyed in recent months with his overall game play. However, on Sunday, he failed to make any significant contribution in the against Liverpool and was substituted off as his side suffered its worst-ever defeat in Premier League history.
In a bizarre turn of events, a video of Weghorst that surfaced on the internet after the encounter has Anfield has turned a lot of heads. In the video, the striker was seen touching Liverpool's iconic 'This Is Anfield' sign prior to Sunday's match, and the gesture, typically reserved for the home team players as a good luck charm, as attracted criticism from United supporters.
Weghorst??? pic.twitter.com/brEdW4oqaW
— george (@StokeyyG2) March 7, 2023
Nevertheless, Weghorst has now revealed the reason behind his action. Taking to his Instagram story, the 30-year-old, who is on loan from Burnley until the end of the season, explained that he only sort to wind-up his international teammate Virgil van Dijk with his action.
"Normally, I never react on media topics, but for this one it's worth it because you amazing United fans are so important to me. So I just want to clarify the video that is doing the rounds," Weghorst wrote.
"From the [Netherlands] national team, I know that Virgil always touches the sign, and I went to stop him touching it to try 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.
"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!"
Despite his explanation, Weghorst's action has been widely criticized by United fans, who believe that it showed a lack of respect towards the club and its traditions. While a faction had been advocating for his permanent signing, another group are yet to be convinced about his value to the side and this incident is unlikely to endear him to the club's supporters.
Meanwhile, Liverpool fans have taken the opportunity to gloat over their team's dominant performance against their bitter rivals, with many pointing out the irony of Weghorst's gesture and the result of the match.
