Roy Keane pulled no punches as he lumped the blame on Liverpool's backline for their involvement in Manchester United's opening goal during the Sunday afternoon encounter at Anfield. The Reds were left shellshocked inside the first two minutes when Bryan Mbeumo stuck the Red Devils ahead 61 seconds into the clash.
It was a goal overshadowed by controversy, as Liverpool midfielder Alexis Mac Allister had been lying on the ground clutching his head at the time. Team-mate Virgil van Dijk had collided with the Argentine, but referee Michael Oliver opted not to stop the play with United in a dangerous position.
Ignoring the contentious build-up, Keane blasted Van Dijk for his defensive contribution, while portioning some of the blame on to Milos Kerkez and goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili. Speaking on the Sky Sports broadcast at half-time, the ex-United ace was gobsmacked at how dysfunctional the Liverpool defensive united had been.
He explained: "It was a dream start, United were hoping their attacking players would turn up today and they certainly did. Obviously, people were looking at whether the referee would stop it for a collision, concussion or whatever. But I don't think Van Dijk needs to get involved there."
The former Ireland international continued: "He's out of position, they're on the back foot. You're hoping he [Amad] can pick the right pass, the right run. Again, poor from Van Dijk. I think the goalkeeper needs to do better."
Analysing the first half in general, Keane was also left unhappy with the performance of summer signing Kerkez, who endured a shaky opening 45 minutes on the left-hand side of defence. On the Hungarian, he said: "Kerkez is a nervous wreck out there. Amad has caused him all sorts of problems."
It had looked as if Liverpool's blushes would be spared by the man who had come the closest throughout the match, with Cody Gakpo squeezing home an equaliser from close range 12 minutes from time. But, rather remarkably, it was United who rallied to find the winner late on.
The much-maligned Harry Maguire was in the right place at the right time to head home and send the visiting section into raptures.