Whether he meant to or not, Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk has offended many Manchester United fans this morning after being asked about the future of Dutch team-mate Cody Gakpo.
PSV striker Gakpo, who has been heavily linked with a move to Old Trafford, has been one of the standout players at the Qatar 2022 World Cup.
The 23-year-old scored in all three group stage matches against Senegal, Ecuador and Qatar, and he impressed again on Saturday afternoon during the Netherlands’ dominant 3-1 win over the United States of America.
He will no doubt be linked with a big money move next month when the January transfer window arrives.
And quite controversially, his Netherlands team-mate Van Dijk has raised doubts over a possible move for Gakpo to Manchester United.
Speaking after the Orange’s impressive win against the USA on Saturday, the Liverpool captain didn’t hold back when asked about a move to their Premier League rivals or Real Madrid.
“Are Manchester United and Real Madrid on the same level at the moment? Not at all, without any disrespect,” Van Dijk initially said.
“I definitely think he’s got the next step in him. I definitely feel like it can happen, whether it’s winter or summer or next year, time will tell.”
“He’s a great guy who works hard, very talented and definitely has more in him. We are very pleased that it is doing so well for us. I wish this will continue”, concluded the Dutchman.
Gakpo has scored 12 goals and 16 assists for PSV Eindhoven this season, showing top form and making for himself many European teams.