Wout Weghorst has released a statement explaining why he appeared to touch the 'This is Anfield' sign as he made his way onto the pitch on Sunday.
Footage emerged on Tuesday of Weghorst reaching up to touch the sign as the players make their way from the tunnel out onto the Anfield pitch.
The sign is an iconic part of Anfield but opposition players rarely touch it and Weghorst has been criticised for doing so ahead of Manchester United's 7-0 defeat to Liverpool on Sunday. He was the only player in Erik ten Hag's team to do so.
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But Weghorst has now explained his actions and said it was an attempt to stop Virgil van Dijk, an international teammate of the United striker, from touching the sign to try and 'wind him up' before kick-off.
Weghorst, who is on loan at United from Burnley, stressed that he has supported FC Twente as a child and has no affinity with Liverpool.
"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," Weghorst 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."
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