Wout Weghorst explains why he touched the 'This Is Anfield' sign

Wout Weghorst has explained why he touched the 'This Is Anfield' sign prior to Manchester United's crushing 7-0 defeat to Liverpool.

The 30-year-old has received backlash from fans for touching the iconic sign moments before walking out on the Anfield pitch last Sunday.

But he has defended his actions and claimed he touched the sign to wind up international colleague Virgil van Dijk.

Weghorst has taken to social media to clarify why he touched the sign and insists his side will bounce back from the humiliating defeat.

Image: Instagram/Wout Weghorst

In a post uploaded on Instagram, he wrote: "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.

"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 proud player 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."

Weghorst joined the Old Trafford club on loan from Burnley in January as Erik ten Hag looked for cover following the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo.

But he has scored just one goal since arriving at the club, with Ten Hag often employing the towering striker in a No.10 role behind Marcus Rashford.

He's been called out for his performances, with Richard Keys calling him Man United's 'worst ever player' in a scathing attack.

"It's [Ten Hag's] decision to keep playing Wout Weghorst," he wrote in his blog.

"It's not Weghorst's fault, but he has to be the worst player I've ever seen in a United jersey.

"He's a bang ordinary number nine, couldn't get in a struggling Burnley team, but what on earth possesses Seven Hag to think he's a sumptuous 10? One who can wear the 'tuxedo' as the Americans say.

"Come on. It's a joke and the manager has got to give up pretending Weghorst has something to offer. He's not a 'pressing monster'. He doesn't 'make runs' because he can't run. And he doesn't score goals.

"You can't start him - push Fernandes left and leave £80m Sancho on the bench. Too clever Erik. Far too clever."

Weghorst has played 14 games in all competitions since moving to Man United.

He could feature when the Red Devils resume their Europa League campaign on Thursday against Real Betis.