Man United icon Wayne Rooney gets final response from Virgil van Dijk after public war of words

Manchester United icon and their record goal-scorer Wayne Rooney got a final response from Virgil van Dijk after criticism of Liverpool's recent form.

Manchester United icon Wayne Rooney received a frosty response from Liverpool captain, Virgil van Dijk, after recent criticism of both the defender and Arne Slot's side.

The two Premier League champions have engaged in a public exchange over recent weeks, following Rooney's assertion that the Dutchman's performances had dipped below his usual standards.

The ex-United forward called on van Dijk to hold the likes of Mohamed Salah, and others, to account for their poor performances, following a difficult spell, losing six of their previous seven fixtures before a 2-0 victory against Aston Villa at the weekend.

Liverpool then delivered an impressive display against Real Madrid, with Alexis Mac Allister netting the winner.

Following that success, Van Dijk spoke with Amazon Prime Video on various subjects and, with Rooney present on the punditry panel, their public disagreement was inevitably addressed.

"It's easy to say now because we've won twice in a row [it's going well]," he stated. "In a world of chaos we have to stay calm and keep the perspective of things. There is so much football to be played, so many twists and turns that can happen. At times, the noise was a lot [smirks]."

Presenter Gabby Logan interjected: "Are you looking at anyone in particular?"

Van Dijk responded: "No, no, not at all. I think it's very important to put things into perspective, keep your head down, working and get out the situation, because our quality is not the issue we have.

"It will always be made bigger, but I think it's important that top players, those who have played at the top - who have also dealt with a lot of difficult moments - put things into perspective, as well.

"Of course [the criticism has been fair], if you are losing games as a Liverpool player, for four or five in a row, then it's a fair criticism.

"That's fairly normal in that sense, but I think it's over the top at times as well. But that's because we live in a world with so many platforms and so many people can say stuff."

Rooney, 40, then commented: "I'm not saying anything [laughing]... I think I've spurred them on and put them on a winning streak."

Following Rooney's explanation of events, the Liverpool captain wrapped things up: "I think if you watch games, you'd see I take responsibility.

"I thought the comment about me signing my new deal and then all is fine, I thought that was a bit [kisses teeth], but that is my personal opinion."

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