Did Wayne Rooney go too far with his Van Dijk criticism? Here’s what he says now

In partnership with

Foot Africa

·7 novembre 2025

Did Wayne Rooney go too far with his Van Dijk criticism? Here’s what he says now

The Manchester United legend softens tone after Liverpool captain’s calm response

Did Wayne Rooney go too far with his Van Dijk criticism? Here’s what he says now

OneFootball Video

Wayne Rooney has admitted he "may have been a little harsh" in his recent remarks about Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk after previously questioning the Dutch defender’s leadership and body language during the club’s poor run of form.

Speaking on The Wayne Rooney Show, the former England and Man United star reflected on his earlier comments (made following Liverpool’s 3-2 defeat to Brentford) in which he described Van Dijk & Mohamed Salah’s demeanour as "major concern".

"Maybe I unfair because I don’t know him personally" Rooney said. "But from performance point of view, I speaking about what I saw and how I felt. I still believe I right about that"

Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney has backtracked on his "unfair" comment about Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk, but he doubled down on another point.
– venerdì 7 novembre 2025

Van Dijk’s response

Van Dijk had earlier brushed off the criticism with composure calling Rooney’s remarks "over the top" but insisting he holds no grudge:

"That doesn’t hurt me, He’s legend and he’s entitled to his opinion. But we all work together to help each other. When things go well, you don’t hear that talk" said the Liverpool skipper.

Rooney added that his critique wasn't personal acknowledging the exceptionally high standards Van Dijk sets for himself: