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Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk has called on the club’s fans to create a “big atmosphere” during this weekend’s clash against Manchester United.

As reported by the Liverpool website, the centre-back has urged Reds supporters to be at the top of their game following a “nervous” atmosphere in Wednesday’s meeting with Wolves.

The Reds crept closer to the Premier League top four with the 2-0 win, with goals from Van Dijk and Mohamed Salah securing a huge three points at Anfield. The Reds are now just six points off the Champions League places.

Liverpool defender calls for ‘big atmosphere’

Despite the victory, Liverpool centre-back Van Dijk believes the home support were not in full voice. But such nerves were perhaps understandable given the club’s struggles this season.

The Reds have won less than half of their 24 Premier League matches, and were knocked out of both the FA Cup and League Cup early on.

A tough test in the Champions League round of 16 awaits against Real Madrid, but all eyes are now on Sunday’s grudge match against fierce rivals Man Utd.

The Red Devils are flying high at the moment, and will be full of confidence going into the game having just lifted the Carabao Cup trophy. They are also third in the Premier League table, just six points behind Manchester City in second, but importantly with a game in hand over their city rivals.

Reds defender Van Dijk knows he and his teammates must turn up against Man Utd, but the centre-back has also urged supporters to get behind the team as much as possible.

“I think we need a big atmosphere on Sunday,” Van Dijk said after the win. “I think today obviously it was quite nervous and hopefully on Sunday we can get everyone in their best – including us, because we obviously have to do the hard work on the pitch against an in-form Man United.

“So, we will recover now and we will be ready for Sunday of course.”

Liverpool

Wolves win ‘something to build on’ for Liverpool

After a very miserable run, Liverpool are now unbeaten in their last four Premier League games, with Jurgen Klopp’s men keeping clean sheets in all but one of those matches.

The run began with 2-0 victories over both Everton and Newcastle, with another 2-0 win arriving over Wolves following a goalless draw against Crystal Palace.

As a defender, Van Dijk is delighted with the club’s rigidity at the back in recent games, with the centre-back pleased about overcoming a stern Wolves side that Liverpool have seen a lot of in recent times.

“An important win, so it’s time to recover and focus on the next one,” added Van Dijk. “Of course [we had to be patient]. I think we see the games we played against them this season, they have been quite tough and today it wasn’t any different so we had to be patient and wait for the moment.

“We had a couple of chances before but in the end, a good performance, clean sheet again, so that’s something to build on.”