'We understand this rivalry' - Van Dijk gears up for Anfield showdown with United

[ad_1] Captain Virgil van Dijk says his Liverpool teammates perceive the rivalry with Manchester United and admits video games towards the Pink Devils at Anfield maintain “that little bit of additional which means for supporters”.

Liverpool are at present having fun with a powerful in Arne Slot’s first season in cost. Slot’s facet sit prime of the Premier League and have the possibility to go eight factors clear with a recreation in hand once they host United on Sunday.

In contrast, their fierce rivals, beneath new boss Ruben Amorim, have continued to battle this time period. Regardless of beating Manchester Metropolis, United have misplaced their final three league video games on the bounce with out scoring and conceding seven within the course of.

United are at present 14th within the desk, with Amorim admitting just lately his staff have been in a battle to keep away from relegation.

The skipper’s #LIVMUN programme notes 🔴

Virgil van Dijk particulars the added significance of tomorrow’s assembly with Manchester United ✊

— Liverpool FC (@LFC) January 4, 2025

However, in his notes for the official matchday programme, the Dutchman mentioned he's anticipating a troublesome check at Anfield and recognises the added significance of the fixture.

“Each recreation is huge while you play for this membership,” Van Dijk wrote. “However after all a recreation at Anfield towards United has that little bit of additional which means for supporters.

“We perceive this rivalry and we all know that there might be a particular environment, one we'll look to make use of to our benefit as we go after the three factors.

“Make no mistake, this might be a troublesome check. We all know that United aren’t the place they want to be within the league desk and that they've had a tough begin to the season, however they nonetheless have prime gamers so it is vital that we're on it and targeted from the very first whistle.”

The Reds skipper additionally mirrored on a powerful first half of the marketing campaign, however insists there's nonetheless work to be performed.

“We all know what success is constructed on. High quality for certain, but additionally humility, sacrifice, work ethic and togetherness. If we maintain that on the entrance of our minds all the time, then these are the issues that can take us to the place we wish to be.

“The platform we have now given ourselves all through the opening months of the season is evident, however we have now to push on from right here now.

“We aren't wanting on the league desk or counting factors we haven’t received but. We're targeted solely on the subsequent recreation, the subsequent problem. Consistency is vital, each day and recreation to recreation.”