Virgil van Dijk told to 'fix up' as Wayne Rooney says he keeps making mistake that's costing Liverpool

Virgil van Dijk endured a day to forget during Liverpool’s defeat against Manchester United.

United ran out 2-1 winners at Anfield on Sunday after goals from Bryan Mbeumo and Harry Maguire shocked the Premier League champions, condemning them to a fourth straight defeat.

The Reds had equalised through Cody Gakpo and looked set to push on for a winner, but they were ultimately undone from a set piece when Maguire headed smartly into the far corner.

Van Dijk came under heavy criticism in the aftermath of the derby, and Gabby Agbonlahor and Wayne Rooney have both pointed out a simple mistake he keeps making this season.

Virgil van Dijk accused of switching off during games

United made the breakthrough on Merseyside after just two minutes, with Mbeumo slamming a finish beyond goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili after being slotted in by Amad Diallo.

Liverpool’s captain was caught underneath the ball and accidentally caught team-mate Alexis Mac Allister with an elbow in the build-up, before failing to track the run in behind.

Agbonlahor believes Van Dijk is now costing his side, and he was particularly critical of the Dutchman’s failure to sprint back and shut down the danger.

Speaking on talkSPORT, the pundit said: “A couple of seasons ago, watching Virgil van Dijk, he reminded me of Vincent Kompany at one stage and Rio Ferdinand, where players were scared to even run near him.

“I remember playing against Kompany and Rio, thinking ‘what’s the point?’. They’re quicker than you, they’re stronger than you. They’re going to turn and take you on. That was the Van Dijk we know.

“Now, everyone’s running at him. Everyone’s having a go. The goal was crazy when you watch it back. You’ve got to be sprinting back. When the goal’s conceded, he’s looking at Konate, like ‘where were you?’.

“No, Virgil, that’s your man. It’s your space he’s run into, but you’re too busy jogging. He’s the captain, he’s got to fix up. He’s got to perform better.”

Giving his verdict on the game, Rooney was similarly critical of the defender’s sloppiness.

Wayne Rooney says Van Dijk has made the same error before

Speaking on The Wayne Rooney Show, the Man United legend spoke damningly about Van Dijk’s display.

“I thought Van Dijk for the first goal was really at fault,” he said. “It was similar to the goal against Chelsea, where he’s gone for the initial header, and he’s gone into the back of [Alexis] Mac Allister.

“Then he didn’t switch on quick enough. I think he was first yards ahead of Mbeumo and he switched off, and Mbeumo has gone in behind him. We’ve seen that a lot this season.”

Josko Gvardiol said Van Dijk was one of his favourite defenders growing up, but he has undoubtedly been below par this season. Slot will be desperate for him to regain his top form sooner rather than later.