Is Wout Weghorst a Liverpool fan? Manchester United striker explains touching ‘This is Anfield’ sign
A nightmarish 7-0 defeat by Liverpool only got worse for Manchester United striker Wout Weghorst after the game.
Footage surfaced on social media of the Netherlands striker touching the ‘This is Anfield’ sign as he stepped onto the pitch before kick-off.
The gesture is usually reserved for Liverpool players and those who have actually won trophies for the club, so Weghorst’s actions have raised many questions.
Why did the striker do that and is the Red Devil actually a Reds fan? Sports news takes a look.
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Why did Weghorst touch the Anfield sign?
As speculation raged online over Weghorst’s gesture, the Man United player decided to break his silence around 48 hours after the Liverpool defeat.
The 30-year-old took to social media to explain his actions and underscored his commitment to the Red Devils this season.
“I don’t normally respond to media issues, but for this one it’s worth it because I care about you amazing United fans. That’s why I just want to clarify the video that’s doing the rounds,” Weghorst posted on his Instagram stories.
“From the national team, I know Virgil is always touching that sign and I wanted to stop him from touching it to try and finish him off before the game.
“I always supported FC Twente as a child and as a proud player now for Manchester United, my commitment to this incredible club can never be questioned. Sunday was a terrible day for all of us, we’re doing everything we can to make it right do in the next few weeks. We will recover and achieve our goals this season.”
Is Weghorst a Liverpool fan?
While Weghorst didn’t address it in his post, previous quotes from the Dutchman have resurfaced suggesting he has a soft spot for Liverpool.
“I’ve always thought Liverpool was very special. I still get goosebumps from ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’,” Weghorst told GOAL in 2020.
“There are other great English clubs and I’ve always liked Milan because so many Dutch players have played there. I’m ambitious and I want to progress.”
However, it is unclear whether he was a true Reds supporter or just admired the club from afar.
Having been on the wrong end of a 7-0 loss it will likely have faded if there was even a modicum of affection for Liverpool.
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Weghorst Manchester United record, stats
This latest controversy surrounding Weghorst caps a difficult start to his time at Old Trafford.
The Netherlands international joined the Red Devils on loan in early January but has scored just one goal in his first 14 appearances for the club.
Despite that poor return in front of goal, the Man United manager and fellow Dutchman Erik ten Hag threw his support behind the striker.
“I have the experience with so many players. I refer to that a lot [Marcus] Rashford earlier in the season he has too [had] not achieved [in] every game. But from my experience I know it will come as soon as he calms down,” Ten Hag said ahead of the Liverpool game.
“Naturally, [Weghorst] has a lot of games with us in not too long ago. if he is [been] longer here, the routines will be there and when he has the next target, more will come.”