Wayne Rooney rips into Virgil van Dijk and left 'concerned' by Liverpool star's interview

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Manchester United icon Wayne Rooney (left) took aim at Liverpool star Virgil van Dijk on Wednesday (Image: SKY SPORTS)

Manchester United hero Wayne Rooney has ripped into Virgil van Dijk after the Liverpool defender referred to the Reds’ upcoming kick-off time against West Ham. Liverpool will take on the Hammers at the London Stadium at 12.30pm on Saturday after being dispatched 2-0 by Everton in the Merseyside derby on Wednesday evening.

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After Liverpool’s latest defeat, Van Dijk told Sky Sports: “Listen, very disappointed in so many ways and I think everyone has to look at themselves in the mirror and look at their performances and if they really gave everything and do they really want to win the league.

“We are still fighting and still have games after tonight, but if we play like we did overall in the game like today, not winning challenges and giving the ref an opportunity to give free-kicks like he did many times, we have no chance to win the title.

“It’s a tough one and obviously we have to do much better against a side who is fighting against relegation. We have to focus on the 12.30 kick-off again.”

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Liverpool were defeated by Everton in the Merseyside derby on Wednesday (Image: GETTY)

Liverpool have had their fair share of Saturday lunchtime matches in recent seasons, with outgoing manager Jurgen Klopp often bemoaning the scheduling. But Rooney, who enjoyed two spells as an Everton player, was in no mood to tolerate Van Dijk’s comments as he dissected the Goodison Park clash in the Sky Sports studio.

He said: “I think a worrying thing there is - and I think it's happened a lot this season as well - as Daniel [Sturridge] said, he's the captain and he's saying about Liverpool getting outfought but again he's saying about 12.30pm kick-offs after they've just lost the derby.

“Now he should be wanting, that Liverpool team should be wanting to get back on the pitch tomorrow and get the next game going because when you lose a game, especially a derby game, you want the next game to come quick. And again we've heard it so, so many times this season with Liverpool about the 12.30pm kick-offs. Get on with it, that's your job. Get on with it - and he should be ready to play.”

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Jurgen Klopp’s team were well off the pace at Goodison Park and fell behind just before the half hour mark as Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite bundled the ball in from close range. The Toffees then doubled their advantage 13 minutes into the second half as striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin rose well to head in a Dwight McNeil cross.

Liverpool were once again guilty of missing a string of chances, with home goalkeeper Jordan Pickford in inspired form. And the result leaves the Anfield giants three points behind leaders Arsenal and one point above Manchester City, who have two games in hand.

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