Wout Weghorst touching Anfield sign has not made himself popular with Manchester United fans. Footage has emerged showing the 30-year-old striker touching the This is Anfield sign before kick-off in the Premier League clash with Liverpool, which ended in a historic 7-0 defeat .
The famous sign hangs in the catacombs of Anfield above the entrance to the pitch. Images from the Liverpool club channel show how not only some players of the home team, but also Weghorst tap it. It is causing quite a stir among fans of United, Liverpool’s arch rival for many years.
For the English media, Weghorst’s action is a reason to rekindle old statements about his love for Liverpool. For example, the Orange international told DAZN in 2020 that he has always found the club special. “You’ll Never Walk Alone still gives me goosebumps ,” he said while playing for VfL Wolfsburg.
According to an old rule of Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp, players are not allowed to touch the board until they have won something with the club. “That’s a sign of respect,” Klopp said in 2016. “I touched it as manager of Borussia Dortmund, but we lost 4-0.” United conceded three more goals.
Weghorst’s explanation
The Dutchman ended up at the center of a lot of commotion when a video came online showing him touching the ‘This is Anfield’ sign . That sign, which was once put up on the initiative of legendary Liverpool manager Bill Shankly, has great psychological value for the players of The Reds. Weghorst knew that and tried to respond to it, he explains in a response on Instagram.
“Normally I don’t comment on media topics, but this time it’s worth it for United’s great supporters. I know from the national team that Virgil van Dijk always touches that sign. I wanted to tease him by preventing him from touching it,” said Weghorst. Who denies that he is secretly for Liverpool.
He adds, “As a child I was always a supporter of FC Twente. Now I am a proud player of Manchester United. My involvement with this incredible club cannot be questioned. Sunday was an off day for all of us. Together we will come back stronger and achieve our goals for this season.” Those goals are big: in addition to the already conquered League Cup, Weghorst also wants to win the Premier League, FA Cup and Europa League with his club.
