Man Utd’s Wout Weghorst explains Anfield sign touch and makes excuse

Wout Weghorst has explained his decision to touch the famous ‘This is Anfield’ sign before Manchester United’s 7-0 defeat at Liverpool on Sunday. The loan striker’s controversial gesture has intensified outrage among supporters after United suffered their joint-worst defeat in history.

Weghorst has caused fury across the fanbase after footage appearing to show him touching the sign before walking onto the pitch emerged on social media.

Many Liverpool players throughout history have touched the sign during the walk-out, but it isn’t common practice for opponents to do the same. Especially if they play for United.

The 30-year-old has moved quickly to explain his actions on Instagram, claiming that it was an attempt at pre-match mind games against Netherlands compatriot Virgil van Dijk.

He wrote: “Normally, I never react on media topics, but for this one, it’s worth it because you amazing @manchesterunited fans are important to me. So I just want to clarify the video that is doing the rounds.

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“From the national team, I know that Virgil always touches that sign, and the only intention I had was to stop him touching it and wind him up before the game.

“As a child, I always supported FC Twente, and as a proud 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!”

Weghorst had an afternoon to forget in general, with Erik ten Hag hauling him off before the hour mark as his search for a Premier League goal at United continued.

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