Wout Weghorst says his dedication to Manchester United "can never be questioned" after he touched the 'This is Anfield' sign prior to his side's 7-0 thrashing by Liverpool on Sunday.
Forward Weghorst said his intention had been to "wind up" Netherlands captain Virgil van Dijk in the tunnel.
"From the national team I know that Virgil always touches the sign," said Weghorst, who is on loan from Burnley.
"The only intention I had was to stop him touching it and wind him up."
It is rare for opposition players to touch the iconic sign, not least those of Liverpool's closest rivals Manchester United.