3 hours ago
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Gary Neville laid the blame for Manchester United's shock opener against Liverpool squarely at the feet of skipper Virgil van Dijk.
Bryan Mbeumo put United ahead after just 60 seconds, racing beyond Liverpool's back line before slotting past Giorgi Mamardashvili. The away end erupted as Ruben Amorim's side took an early lead against the reigning champions.
The move began when Virgil van Dijk stepped forward to challenge for the ball but collided with team-mate Alexis Mac Allister, leaving Mbeumo free to sprint through the middle.
Neville, on co-commentary for Sky Sports, could not believe the captain's positioning in the build-up and argued that Liverpool's defensive shape had handed United the opening.
'What a first minute it is from Manchester United,' Neville said. 'I was just thinking about getting to first base, 20 to 25 minutes in, but those United fans are delirious to our left.
'Amad and Mbeumo connect, and there's something here that's really unusual. There's a challenge in midfield where Mac Allister goes down - watch Van Dijk, that's the thing that stuns me.
Gary Neville laid the blame for Manchester United 's shock opener against Liverpool squarely at the feet of skipper Virgil van Dijk
The Red Devils legend could not believe the captain's positioning in the build-up and argued that Liverpool's defensive shape had handed United the opening
Bryan Mbeumo put United ahead after just 60 seconds, racing beyond Liverpool's back line before slotting past Giorgi Mamardashvili.
'Mbeumo runs off the back of Van Dijk - I don't think he sees him. Konate can't get across. But just watch Van Dijk here. The big surprise.'
At half-time, Jamie Redknapp reflected that the champions had only themselves to blame and agreed with Neville that the Reds captain had to do more.
'From Man United's point of view, it's brilliant but I think Van Dijk makes a big mistake,' he told Sky Sports. 'He has to sprint back. Yes, there was a collision but you still have to think for yourself. You can't pass it onto Konate.
'You have to sprint back as quick as you can and make sure that run doesn't go in behind you. So fundamentally, they've made a mistake.'
The goal again exposed Liverpool's defensive vulnerability - a recurring issue for the defending champions in the first few weeks of the campaign.
