Roy Keane doubles down on Virgil van Dijk criticism after 'arrogant' jibe at Liverpool captain

Roy Keane has doubled down on his criticism of Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk, claiming that survival was the name of the game for Manchester United in their 0-0 draw at Anfield. 

After the game, Van Dijk claimed that Liverpool were the only team that played to win, which led to the Manchester United legend to brand him as 'arrogant'. The Dutchman later played down those claims, but the war of words between the pair has continued, with Keane explaining why Manchester United adopted a conservative approach against Liverpool.

He said (quotes via Liverpool Echo): “I saw Crystal Palace go to Manchester City – Crystal Palace are no Manchester United, and you should see the way they were set up, and we all praised Roy Hodgson and they managed to get a draw, I didn’t see anyone from City criticising Crystal Palace,

“The fact they scored in the game might be slightly different, but I think when you’re going into certain games, survival is the name of the game – Man United will take the point. I didn’t see United after the game having over the top celebrations as if they were delighted to get away with a point – they would’ve taken it before the game. Every one of us before the game said we all fancy Liverpool.

“He [Van Dijk] is entitled to his opinion as well, he’s entitled to maybe get something wrong. I’ve said things after games when I was at United and thought that it was a bit over the top, but that was generally against my own team. I don’t think ever in my career I criticised a team for the way they played, because every team must find [something] different. You have to admire that’s part of the game as well.”

The pair share differing opinions on the subject largely due to the contrasting fortunes between the two sides this season. Liverpool needed three points to stay at the top of the table, while Manchester United came to Anfield with the sole purpose of avoiding defeat - a task they managed to achieve. Nevertheless, Van Dijk was right to claim that only one team played to win that night and if he's being called 'arrogant' for having a winning mentality, then so be it.