Former Manchester United captain and Sky Sports pundit Roy Keane has issued a stark warning to Virgil van Dijk, questioning the Liverpool skipper’s leadership and defensive performances amid the club’s growing troubles.

After a 2-1 defeat to United at Anfield, Liverpool’s fourth loss in all competitions this season, Keane suggested Van Dijk must look in the mirror and review his role as a senior figure in the squad.

Liverpool arrived at the clash with United under pressure, seeking to halt a disastrous run of defeats. United struck early, and Van Dijk, normally a figure of defensive calm, came in for pointed criticism regarding his positioning and influence.

Roy Keane questions Liverpool captain Van Dijk

Keane told Sky Sports: “When you’re a centre half and you’re a big player, last year we were on about who was going to stay and he signed a big contract, then you’re giving up loads of goals. I’d be looking at him and asking ‘what are you doing’?

“Particularly as a big leader of the team. A couple of years ago we talked about United parking the bus here and we were critical. Now they’ve scored two today and two last year and you’re the centre half.”

The former United...