Bryan Mbeumo scored for Manchester United with only 63 seconds on the clock in their Premier League clash with Liverpool, but the goal was shrouded in controversy
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 19: Bryan Mbeumo of Manchester United celebrates scoring his team's first goal during the Premier League match between Liverpool and Manchester United at Anfield on October 19, 2025 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
Bryan Mbeumo's early goal stunned Anfield
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Image: Michael Regan/Getty Images)
Michael Oliver didn't see Alexis Mac Allister down with a head injury seconds before Manchester United's controversial opening goal against Liverpool. Bryan Mbeumo gave United a 1-0 lead barely one minute into Sunday's clash, although star Mac Allister was on the turf holding his head following a collision when Mbeumo's low strike beat Giorgi Mamardashvili.
commentator Peter Drury explained: "What we are getting from the Match Centre is that the referee didn't see the injury and was therefore obviously not able to stop the game."
Liverpool icon , who joined Drury and United legend on commentary, wasn't impressed and responded: "He was down holding his head." The FA's laws of the game say that play must be stopped if, in the referee's opinion, a player suffers a head injury.
Mac Allister, 26, had to wear a protective helmet after being treated for his injury. United goalscorer Mbeumo was part of the collision but came away unscathed and was able to take advantage of sloppy Liverpool defending.
The hosts were left even more frustrated with Oliver when he waved away a penalty appeal for an alleged handball by Amad. VAR checked the incident and agreed with the referee.
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"The referee's call of no penalty was checked and confirmed by VAR – with it deemed that Amad’s arm was in a natural and justifiable position," a post from the Premier League's Match Centre account read.
Neville agreed, saying: "Amad has his arm in the position that referees give penalties for. But it hits his other arm. He just needs to keep his arms down. He finds himself in situations he is not used to: blocking crosses."
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