In a statement, Wout Weghorst explains why he appeared to touch the "This is Anfield" sign as he entered the field on Sunday.
On Tuesday, footage showed Weghorst reaching up to touch the sign as the players entered the tunnel and entered the Anfield field.
The sign is a famous part of Anfield, but opponents rarely touch it, and Weghorst has been criticized for doing so before Sunday's 7-0 loss to Liverpool at Manchester United. He was the only member of Erik ten Hag's team to accomplish this feat.
However, Weghorst has since provided an explanation for his actions, stating that it was an effort to prevent the United striker's international teammate, Virgil van Dijk, from touching the sign in an effort to "wind him up" prior to kickoff.
Weghorst, who is currently on loan at United from Burnley, made it clear that he has no connection to Liverpool and has only ever supported FC Twente as a child.
"Normally I never react on media topics, but for this one it's worth it because you amazing United fans are important to me. So I just want to clarify the video that is doing the rounds," Weghorst said.
"From the national team I know that Virgil always touches that sign and I went to stop him touching it to try and wind him up before the game.
"As a child I always supported FC Twente, and as a player now for Manchester United, my dedication to this incredible club can never be questioned.
"Sunday was a terrible day for all of us, we are putting everything into making it right in the next weeks. We will bounce back together and achieve our aims this season."
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