The rivals drew 2-2 at Anfield in Sunday's (05.01.25) Premier League fixture and Reds defender Van Dijk feels United were underestimated from the outside prior to the game because of their struggles this season.

He said: "Do I feel United were disrespected? Yeah. I heard in the press conference someone asked if we were going to rotate players against United.

"I was shocked. It is one of the biggest games of the season and United will always make it tough. To hear that, I was surprised.

"We are playing against a good opponent. I think everyone from the outside world forgets that judging by the sound that had been going around before the game. They have good players. They are obviously a work in progress like we are but they made it difficult for us."

Trent Alexander-Arnold - whose contract at Anfield expires at the end of the season - was criticised for his lacklustre performance against United but the Reds captain stressed that the full-back hadn't been distracted by talk of his future after being linked with a move to Real Madrid.

Van Dijk, whose own deal is also coming to an end this summer, said: "Trent has his own people around him, his family and we are there as well.

"He wants to perform in the best way possible like we all do. That is the main focus. In my opinion, maybe ask him, that is the distraction, the game."