"Could have been a lot worse if we are absolutely honest" - Virgil van Dijk reacts after Liverpool-Manchester United draw

Liverpool center-back Virgil van Dijk has claimed their 2-2 Premier League draw against Manchester United on Sunday (January 5) could have been worse. Harry Maguire missed a last-minute chance that would have secured a win for the Red Devils.

Lisandro Martinez opened the scoring for United in the 52nd minute after being set up by Bruno Fernandes. In the 59th minute, Cody Gakpo equalized for the Reds after cutting in from the left.

The Reds were awarded a penalty after Manchester United's Matthijs de Ligt handled the ball inside the box. Mohamed Salah scored from the penalty spot in the 70th minute, making it 2-1. However, Amad Diallo made it 2-2 in the 80th minute after being set up by Alejandro Garnacho.

In a post-match interview, Van Dijk shared his thoughts about the game. He said (via LFC Transfer News):

"It could have been a lot worse if we are absolutely honest with ourselves. They had a big chance in the end that could have been a lot worse than where we are now."

In second-half stoppage time, United centre-back Harry Maguire had a huge opportunity to secure the win for his side. The Englishman was set up brilliantly by Joshua Zirkzee, but ended up blazing his effort over the bar.

Liverpool remain atop the Premier League table, having registered 46 points from 19 games. They have a game in hand and are six points ahead of second-placed Arsenal in the title race.

Meanwhile, Manchester United are ranked 13th, having accumulated 23 points from 20 league games.

How did Liverpool winger Mohamed Salah perform against Manchester United?

Liverpool FC v Manchester United FC - Premier League - Source: Getty

Salah continued his brilliant run of form against the Red Devils, scoring Liverpool's second goal of the game from the penalty spot. He maintained a passing accuracy of 77% (24/31). He created one big chance and provided two key passes (via Sofascore).

Salah has scored 18 goals and registered 13 assists in 19 Premier League games this season. He is also the league's top-scorer and on course to win the Premier League Golden Boot.

However, the Egyptian's forward contract situation at Anfield is yet to be resolved. His existing deal will expire this summer and he is currently free to sign a pre-contract agreement with a non-English club.