MONTE-CARLO, MONACO - MAY 25: Max Verstappen of the Netherlands and Oracle Red Bull Racing poses for a photo with Virgil van Dijk on the Red Bull Energy Station prior to qualifying ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Monaco at Circuit de Monaco on May 25, 2024 in Monte-Carlo, Monaco. (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images)
MONTE-CARLO, MONACO - MAY 25: Max Verstappen of the Netherlands and Oracle Red Bull Racing poses for a photo with Virgil van Dijk on the Red Bull Energy Station prior to qualifying ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Monaco at Circuit de Monaco on May 25, 2024 in Monte-Carlo, Monaco. (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images)
Max Verstappen has shared his admiration for Manchester United - owing much to the club's Dutch connections and legendary stories. Despite friendships with Liverpool players Virgil van Dijk and Cody Gakpo, the four-time Formula 1 World Champion's loyalty lies with the Reds due to inspirational figures from the past.
"I just like the story behind when Sir Alex Ferguson was the manager," said Verstappen in an interview with the Mirror. "Initially, the Dutch connection with [Ruud] van Nistelrooy and [Robin] van Persie also came in."
"You become a fan and you start reading more into the club, how they have achieved a lot of their success. It just inspires me. I like it. I'm like, 'Yeah, that's really cool and it's a cool club'. Of course, they went through a tough time, but when I see them do well, it makes me happy."
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The Dutch racing icon particularly holds high regard for Van Nistelrooy, celebrating both his tenure as a United legend and interim boss post-Erik ten Hag's exit. However, following Ruben Amorim's appointment and the interim boss' subsequent departure, Verstappen expressed his disappointment.
That said, he remains hopeful for Van Nistelrooy's success at Leicester City – a wish bolstered by a stylish victory over West Ham on Tuesday. Verstappen has given his thoughts on United's new management and also reflected on the Premier League side's recent performance against Arsenal.
Ruben Amorim is an 'exciting' appointment in Max Verstappen's view (Image: Getty Images)
Ahead of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Verstappen praised the potential of United's new boss. He said: "It's going to be a big task, but he's an exciting manager. He's still very young. I think he has a lot of potential and I just hope that he brings the best out of the players, of himself. I hope he will bring the club back to the top."
The racing star also spoke about his regret at seeing Van Nistelrooy leave the club, though he is keen to see how he fares in his new role at Leicester, Verstappen added: "Of course, naturally, I was a little bit sad to see Van Nistelrooy go completely out of the club. But then he got a great role at Leicester now, so I'm also very excited to see how he will do."
Max Verstappen was sad to see Man Utd hero Ruud van Nistelrooy leave the club (Image: PA)
Known for his loyalty to United, Verstappen surprisingly harbours positive feelings towards Liverpool – mainly due to the Dutch presence in the team. Despite his allegiance, he's admitted that he enjoys watching the Reds succeed.
"I just like to stay in touch. Of course, I like to see the Dutch national team do well. Virgil keeps inviting me to come to a game and I will definitely do it. I'm not that idiot that hates another club. When I see Virgil play or Cody, when they do well at Liverpool, that excites me as well.
"When they're leading in the league, I'm like, 'Yeah, that's great'. They're having an amazing season. It's cool. I'm also a fan of Barcelona. It's not like I hate Real Madrid. I'm a little bit more of a fan of Barcelona."
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