Wout Weghorst is the sole Manchester United player to have touched the ‘This is Anfield’ sign, which has stirred controversy.
His action drew criticism from fans due to his underwhelming performance on the pitch for United.
After departing from United, Weghorst achieved success at Ajax and excelled while representing the Dutch national team.
The ‘This is Anfield’ sign is a revered emblem, deeply ingrained within the walls of Liverpool’s legendary stadium.
During his successful tenure, Jurgen Klopp revitalized its status as a sacred symbol – a cherished artifact meant to be touched only by those who have truly earned their place in red.
However, in 2023, one player from Manchester United defied this tradition, inciting outrage among supporters of both teams.
Liverpool fans were left puzzled as to why a rival player would dare to violate an unwritten code of respect – irrespective of the fierce rivalry – while United supporters soon discovered that the gesture stemmed not from malice, but from a hidden admiration.
Perhaps it was a touch too sincere.
Consequently, it was not long before the player was dismissed from Old Trafford, his affection for the rival proving to be one transgression too many.
Wout Weghorst, on loan at United from Burnley at the time, had previously confessed to being a boyhood Liverpool supporter.
And when the moment came, he couldn’t resist having his own quiet interaction with the legendary sign.
Needless to say, the Dutchman would soon heed the consequences.
WOUT WE GHOST TOUCHED THE ‘THIS IS ANFIELD ‘WOW’ SIGN IN 2023
The Red Devils have long struggled to find players with the heart and soul to help the club reclaim their glimmer from yesteryear in the post-Ferguson era, and nor have they often found players with the right qualities, either.
So when they ended up with a Burnley outcast and boyhood Liverpool fan as their number nine in January 2023, Erik ten Hag’s side really had hit rock bottom.
But while others in the past have been able to bottle up their previous connections to still put on a good show for the Old Trafford outfit, Weghorst showed no care, touching the ‘This is Anfield’ sign, only for the Red Devils to then be on the wrong end of a 7-0 defeat to their fiercest rivals. Watch the incident below:
In an attempt to calm the waters and clear the air after his baffling gesture, Weghorst then addressed it on social media.
“Normally I never react to media topics, but for this one, it’s worth it, because you amazing United fans are important to me,” Weghorst said in a statement, as per GOAL.
“So I just want to clarify the video that is doing the rounds.”
From the national team, I know that Virgil [van Dijk] 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 proud player now for Manchester United, my dedication to this incredible club can never be questioned.”