Explanation Revealed for Why Man Utd’s Opening Goal Against Liverpool Was Allowed to Stand

The explanation behind why Manchester United’s controversial opening goal against Liverpool was not disallowed has now been revealed.

On Sunday, Liverpool welcomed long-time rivals Manchester United to Anfield in one of the most anticipated fixtures of the Premier League season.

Ahead of kickoff, much of the talk surrounded Ruben Amorim’s lineup choices — particularly his decision to start Benjamin Sesko on the bench despite the striker scoring in his previous two outings.

However, Amorim’s team selection seemed to pay off early, as United took the lead within minutes through winger Bryan Mbeumo.

That goal, though, sparked major controversy. Many fans questioned why the game wasn’t stopped moments earlier when Liverpool’s Alexis Mac Allister suffered a head injury during the build-up.

Replays showed that just before Mbeumo broke through Liverpool’s defence to score, Mac Allister was accidentally struck by Virgil van Dijk’s elbow while contesting a challenge.

According to Premier League rules, referees are allowed to stop play for potential head injuries, but referee Michael Oliver let the match continue — claiming he did not witness the incident at the time.

Following the clash, Mac Allister received medical attention on the pitch while manager Arne Slot voiced his frustration to the fourth official. Fortunately, the midfielder later returned to action wearing protective headgear after being cleared by Liverpool’s medical team.

Despite this, fans flooded social media with images suggesting Oliver did, in fact, see the incident but failed to act.

One supporter wrote: “Ref ‘didn’t see’ Mac Allister holding his head while lying on the floor? Ridiculous.”
Another added: “If Michael Oliver can’t notice a player down with a head injury right next to the ball, he shouldn’t be officiating.”

Journalist James Pearce of The Athletic also criticised the referee, saying: “Wow, Michael Oliver with a strong contender for worst decision of the season. Mac Allister brought down, FK goes the other way.”