Featured Image Credit: Getty
Topics: Football, Liverpool, Manchester United, Premier League, Anfield
James Taylor
Topics: Football, Liverpool, Manchester United, Premier League, Anfield
The first Manchester United player to touch the 'This Is Anfield' sign explained why he did it ahead of the Red Devils' clash against Liverpool this weekend.
Man United travel to Liverpool on Sunday, aiming for their first win at Anfield since 2016.
Despite their dreadful record at the home of their greatest rivals, Man United will take encouragement from Liverpool's recent form, with Arne Slot's side losing their last three games before the international break.
Man United also impressed in last season's match at Anfield, securing a 2-2 draw thanks to goals from Lisandro Martinez and Amad Diallo.
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But in 2023, Anfield was the scene for one of Man United's worst ever defeats as they were humiliated 7-0 by Liverpool.
The fallout among supporters only intensified following the match when footage emerged of Wout Weghorst touching the 'This is Anfield' sign in the tunnel before kick off.
Traditionally, touching the sign is something that the Liverpool players do before games as a superstition.
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For a Man United player to do it before such a big game did not sit well with supporters.
Weghorst, who was on loan from Burnley at the time, later defended himself on social media.
Posting on Instagram, he wrote: "Normally I never react on media topics.
“But for this one it's worth it because you amazing Manchester United fans are important to me. I just want to clarify the video that is doing the rounds.
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"From the national team I know that Virgil always touches the sign and the only intention I had was to stop him touching it and wind him up before the game."
The Dutch forward continued: "As a child I always supported FC Twente, and as a proud player now for Manchester United my dedication to this 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."
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Ruben Amorim will be hoping for a better result on Sunday as he continues his search for back-to-back league victories almost a year into his Man United reign.
His side have made a mixed start to the season, picking up 10 points from seven matches, most recently beating newly-promoted Sunderland 2-0.
Despite the inconsistency, minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe said in a recent interview that he is willing to give Amorim three years to succeed.
However, speaking to the press ahead of the trip to Anfield, the Portuguese head coach admitted he can not rely on that promise.
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Amorim said: "It is really good to hear it but he tells me all the time, sometimes with a message after games.
"But you know, I know and Jim knows, that football is not like that.
"The most important thing is the next game. Even with owners, you cannot control the next day in football."