Forget Van Dijk’s mistake — Bryan Mbeumo’s goal should never have counted.

Bryan Mbeumo wasted no time putting Manchester United ahead at Anfield on Sunday afternoon.

The Red Devils’ new signing found the net inside the opening minute, leaving Liverpool boss Arne Slot visibly frustrated on the touchline.

However, there were immediate questions about why play hadn’t been stopped, as Alexis Mac Allister lay injured on the pitch following an accidental elbow from teammate Virgil van Dijk during an aerial challenge with Mbeumo.

Mac Allister’s head injury controversy
Given the Premier League’s emphasis on prioritizing head injuries in the 2025/26 campaign, many were surprised that the game continued. The Argentine midfielder remained on the ground while United pressed forward to score.

Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher expressed disbelief at referee Michael Oliver’s decision not to halt play:
“I think a lot of players have taken advantage of the head injury rule, but I’m surprised Michael Oliver hasn’t stopped it here with Mac Allister down.”

Carragher also noted earlier that “Arne Slot is not happy with what happened with Mac Allister,” as replays suggested the referee had a clear line of sight but still allowed play to continue without medical attention.

Premier League head injury rule
The league’s own guidelines state that a match should be stopped immediately when a head injury is suspected, allowing medical teams to assess the affected player.

Liverpool’s defensive lapse punished
Before kickoff, Van Dijk had warned that United’s summer reinforcements could trouble Liverpool — and his words quickly proved true. Mbeumo capitalized on a defensive mix-up between Van Dijk and Ibrahima Konaté to score moments after the whistle.

It was a poor defensive moment for Liverpool, but fans had every reason to feel aggrieved that the move leading to the goal wasn’t halted when Mac Allister went down with a possible head injury.