Wout Weghorst has crossed a line with some Manchester United fans.
The Dutch striker is in hot water for touching the famous “This is Anfield” sign prior to Manchester United’s disastrous 7-0 loss to Liverpool on Sunday. Weghorst’s decision was notable as, unlike almost everyone else who touches the sign before games, he does not play for Liverpool.
United fans have been quick to point out a 2018 interview with De Telegraaf, in which the striker said he’d “dreamt” of playing for Liverpool “since childhood.”
Weghorst, who is on loan at United from Burnley, has caught so much flack that he felt compelled to release a statement on Instagram explaining why he committed such an unforgivable sin.
Weghorst’s reasoning? He was only trolling his Netherlands teammate Virgil van Dijk.
“Normally I never react on media topics, but for this one it’s worth it because you amazing United fans are important to me. So I just want to clarify the video that is doing the rounds,” he said.
“From the national team, I know that Virgil always touches that 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 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.”
Let’s go to the footage!
Weghorst???🤣🤣🤣 pic.twitter.com/brEdW4oqaW
— george (@StokeyyG2) March 7, 2023
It does appear that Weghorst only went for the sign after seeing Van Dijk reach up first, but the defender hardly seemed to notice or care. He then went out and kept a clean sheet while Weghorst and his team gave up a touchdown and extra point.
Maybe, just maybe, that result has set off fans just a bit more than an on-loan striker touching a sign.
[lawrence-related id=15034,14984,14581]