James Milner Openly Berated Liverpool Teammate Virgil Van Dijk After Sluggish Defending Led to Sancho’s Goal

• James Milner was angry with his Liverpool teammate Virgil Van Dijk after Jadon Sancho was allowed to score Manchester United's opening goal
• Milner felt like Van Dijk could have done more to prevent the goal, with Sancho showing great composure to set United on their way to an important win
• This is the third time that Van Dijk is at fault for Liverpool conceding this season as their frustrating form continues

Everything appears to be falling apart at Liverpool. Jurgen Klopp's men are yet to pick up a win three games into the new season despite being heavily touted as the closest rivals to Manchester City's dominance.

After drawing against Fulham and Crystal Palace, Liverpool were swept aside by a rejuvenated Manchester United at Old Trafford to leave them in relegation places with a paltry 2 points.

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A lot has been said about the possible causes of Liverpool's lacklustre start. From Sadio Mane's absence to lots of first-team absentees for Klopp. But one thing that is quickly taking cognizance is Virgil Van Dijk's loss of form.

Van Dijk has often been a calming presence in Liverpool's backline. Often so composed with his timely tackles and scaring off attackers. But the tall defender has been responsible for at least three of the five goals Liverpool have conceded so far.

Instances where Van Dijk's poor defending has led to Liverpool conceding this season

Against Fulham, the Netherlands captain left his leg behind, which tripped Aleksandar Mitrović in the penalty area. The striker then stepped up in a game that Fulham ended up getting an impressive point.

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Van Dijk was thereafter blamed for failing to track down Wilfried Zaha despite having time to do so as Liverpool recorded another frustrating draw at home to Crystal Palace. His latest misfortunes came against Liverpool when he appeared not to put in a tackle, enabling Jadon Sancho to score a beauty of a goal as United raced out to a 2-1 win.

Liverpool's assistant captain James Milner was angry and openly had a talk down with Van Dijk after the goal. Metro UK reports that Milner asked Van Dijk why he didn't attempt to close down Sancho.

Milner's frustration was just a highlight of how standards have dropped in Klopp's team.

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Sports Brief had earlier reported that Erik ten Hag has finally secured his first Premier League win after Manchester United seeing off rivals Liverpool at Old Trafford on Monday night, August 22.

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United were looking to get their campaign on track during their meeting with Liverpool, having lost their first two opening matches of the new season.

The Red Devils began the season on a disappointing note, suffering a 2-1 defeat against Brighton at Old Trafford.