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Roy Keane and Jamie Redknapp both criticized Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk for his role in Manchester United’s goal during the Premier League clash at Anfield, identifying three key mistakes in the build-up.
Bryan Mbeumo stunned Anfield by opening the scoring for Manchester United just 62 seconds into the match. However, the goal was not without controversy. A long ball forward sparked a fierce aerial challenge involving Mbeumo, Alexis Mac Allister, and Van Dijk, with the Liverpool captain accidentally catching his teammate with an elbow.
In the aftermath, Van Dijk appeared to lose track of Mbeumo’s movement in behind, seemingly expecting Ibrahima Konate to cover. The lapse proved costly as the United forward capitalized, leaving Liverpool supporters in disbelief so early in the contest.
Analyzing the goal on Sky Sports, Keane said: "Obviously the referee could stop it but I don’t know why Virgil van Dijk is getting involved [with the header]. He then goes back in [to tackle Fernandes] so he is out of position. Liverpool is on the back foot but it is poor from Van Dijk."
Redknapp added: "It is brilliant from United but Van Dijk makes a big mistake. He has to sprint back. Yes there is a collision but you have to get back into shape. He can’t just pass it on to Konate."
The Liverpool captain's lack of awareness also stunned former United defender and co-commentator Gary Neville. "Mac Allister goes down, but what stuns me is Van Dijk," said Neville alongside former Reds defender Jamie Carragher. "Mbeumo runs off him; he can't see him. That is the big surprise.
"Mbeumo reacts like a boxer off the ground, and he is away. Mamardashvili can't keep it out, a stunning start for Manchester United. I can’t work out if Van Dijk is trying to play him offside. He points towards Konate as if to say, 'That is your man.' It is a strange handover from him.
Offering up his thoughts on the incident, Carragher added: "I have been frustrated that players have taken advantage of that rule. There was an incident in the Arsenal game yesterday near the dugout, and the referee pulled it back.
"I am very surprised Michael Oliver hasn't brought it back."
It is understood that referee Michael Oliver failed to spot Mac Allister on the ground, which explains his decision to let play continue in the build-up to the goal. The Liverpool midfielder required over three minutes of treatment before eventually returning to action wearing a black, full head bandage.
Head coach Arne Slot was visibly frustrated by the incident and spent several moments in discussion with the fourth official following the goal.
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