Wout Weghorst reveals all about touching the Anfield sign

Manchester United striker Wout Weghorst explained why he touched the 'This is Anfield' sign before the Liverpool game, in an interview with Football Focus.

The 30-year-old has received intense backlash from fans after footage of him touching the famous sign before walking out emerged on social media.

Weghorst had previously explained his actions through a post on social media, saying that he was trying to get into Virgil van Dijk's head before kick-off.

"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."

In response to the allegations that Weghorst was a childhood Liverpool supporter, he also said: "As a child I always supported FC Twente, and as a proud player for Manchester United, my dedication to this incredible club can never be questioned."

Talking about van Dijk before the game, Weghorst told the BBC: "(Before the match) He was doing a little bit like, I can say cool I think...and in a coincidence we walked like next to each other together, he was a little bit in front of me and I remember he's always touching this (the sign), and I was trying to touch his hand from behind."

"I was trying to ignore him a little bit, and then of course, I saw the messages about 'Liverpool fan from youth' and there was no further intention."

"If I look back, it was not a smart thing to do!"

The trick didn't work though, as Liverpool went on to embarrass Manchester United 7-0 an Anfield, United's most heavy league defeat since the 19th century.

Wout Weghorst has been a fan favourite since joining the Red Devils though, due to his unrelenting work rate and his selflessness to help teammates in any attacking position.

The Dutch striker got his first Old Trafford goal on Thursday, bagging the fourth in a 4-1 win over Real Betis in the Europa League, with United showing the perfect response after the battering they took last Sunday.