Roy Keane Criticizes Liverpool Captain Van Dijk Amid Four-Game Losing Streak

Roy Keane has publicly criticized Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk following Liverpool's 2-1 home defeat to Manchester United, marking their fourth consecutive loss across all competitions. Keane, a former Manchester United captain and current Sky Sports pundit, highlighted Van Dijk's responsibility as a central defender and leader, urging him to self-reflect on his recent performances amid the team's defensive struggles. He specifically pointed to Van Dijk's failure to prevent the early goal by Bryan Mbeumo, which stemmed from a collision with teammate Alexis Mac Allister, and questioned whether Van Dijk is effectively helping and leading his teammates during this difficult period. Keane emphasized that despite Liverpool's efforts and chances in the match, the team appeared edgy and out of sync, contrasting with the confidence shown by Manchester United's attackers. Van Dijk himself acknowledged the team's rushed play and conceded sloppy goals but stressed the importance of staying calm and continuing to create scoring opportunities. Keane's comments reflect broader concerns about Liverpool's defensive solidity and leadership on the field as they face a challenging run of form.