If Liverpool were serious about the money and had an agreement with the player, this is surely a big loss for them. Virgil van Dijk is a very good defender, obviously one of the best in the league. He is very good at reading the game, he is a communicator on the pitch and he can pass a ball. A much better player than John Stones, as he reads the game much better and brings a lot of calmness to the others - a very important factor for a defender in my opinion. A bit like Rio Ferdinand with his defending style, as well as technique to get out of tricky situations at times.
Hard to judge a defender in a weaker team, but I would have been pissed if he joined Liverpool. Firstly because he is tons better than the erratic Lovren and the overrated and lanky Matip, also because he would have made their link-up play better when they are possessing the ball. Would like him at United, think him and Bailly would be solid and very complimentary to each other. He probably lacks a bit of aggression compared to Rojo, but all in all I think he is a better defender. I love Rojo - but there could be place for VVD as well. This is a team going for the league and the Champions League next year, all of these players can play different positions as well.