Bryan Mbeumo scored his first goal since August to give Manchester United a second-minute lead at Liverpool in the Premier League on Sunday – but local manager Arne Slot and former Reds player Jamie Carragher felt the goal should not have stood due to a head injury to Alexis Mac Allister.
With Mac Allister on the turf, Mbeumo met Amad Diallo’s deft pass into the box on the left with a neat finish before Slot poked his head in to signal that play should have stopped.
“Stunning start!”
One minute on the clock and Mbeumo gives Man Utd the lead at Anfield! 🤯 pic.twitter.com/xOtXAcVYgp
– Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) October 19, 2025
“The United fans are delirious,” former Red Devils captain Gary Neville told Sky Sports. “Mbeumo runs behind [Virgil] Van Dyke.
“I don’t think Van Dijk sees it. Mbeumo is like a boxer – he goes away. Stunning start for United.”
You can follow 101GreatGoals.com live updates of Liverpool vs Manchester United in the Premier League here.
Liverpool vs Man United: Carragher “surprised”
The goal was awarded because referee Michael Oliver failed to see that Mac Allister had suffered a head injury, which usually results in an immediate stoppage to allow treatment.
The Argentina international, who had contested possession with Van Dijk and Mbeumo, received a head bandage on the pitch.
“A lot of players took advantage of the head injury rule,” Carragher said. “I’m surprised Michael Oliver didn’t back out with a head injury.”
“A young player because he has potential should not be guaranteed a place at Man Utd”
Roy Keane on Kobbie Mainoo 🔴 pic.twitter.com/OYfqwaOQwE
– Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) October 19, 2025
Liverpool vs Manchester United teams
Ibrahima Konate started for Liverpool, having been a doubt after suffering a muscle injury in the defeat at Palace which kept the centre-back out of France’s matches during the international break.
Wataru Endo withdrew from Japan and was not involved, but compatriot Ryan Gravenberch started the match despite being substituted at half-time in the Netherlands’ home win over Finland last Sunday.
Goalkeeper Alisson Becker’s hamstring injury allowed Giorgi Mamardashvili to make his second Premier League appearance.
Alexander Isak started for a third consecutive match for his new club, with Slot suggesting fans “can now judge” the striker “fairly” as he is in top form.
Liverpool starting XI: Giorgi Mamardashvili, Conor Bradley, Ibrahima Konate, Virgil van Dijk, Milos Kerkez, Mohamed Salah, Ryan Gravenberch, Dominik Szoboszlai, Alexis Mac Allister, Cody Gakpo, Alexander Isak
Liverpool substitutes: Freddie Woodman, Joe Gomez, Florian Wirtz, Federico Chiesa, Curtis Jones, Hugo Ekitike, Andy Robertson, Jeremie Frimpong, Rio Ngumoha
Centre-back Lisandro Martinez was not yet ready to return from a long-term knee injury for United, while wide player Noussair Mazraoui was doubtful but was on the bench.
Goalkeeper Senne Lammens retained his place after making his debut with a clean sheet in the 2–0 home win over Sunderland on October 4.
Men Plain starting eleven: Senne Lamens, Matthies Lgt, Harry Maguir, Luke Shaw, Amad Diallo, Casemiro, Bruno Fernandes, Diogo Dalot, Bryan Mbeum, Matheus Cunha
Men Plain substitutes: Altay Bayindir, Noussair Mazraoui, Joshua Zirkzee, Dorgu, Leny Yoro, Manuel Ugars, Ayden Heaven, Benjamin Sesk, Cobby of Maino
How to watch Liverpool vs Man United: TV channel, live stream online
Kick-off on Sunday took place at 4:30 p.m. BST (11:30 a.m. ET / 8:30 a.m. PT), with live coverage in the UK on Sky Sports Main Event, Sky Sports Premier League and Sky Sports Ultra.
Via Now TV, Sky Sports costs £14.99 for a one-day subscription, £28 per month for a 12-month subscription or £34.99 per month without a contract.
Sky Sports subscriptions include access to all 12 live Sky Sports channels and Sky Sports+, which offers live broadcasts and a dedicated channel.
Premier League results and schedule this weekend
Saturday October 18
Nottingham Forest 0-3 Chelsea
Brighton and Hove Albion 2-1 Newcastle
Burnley 2-0 Leeds United
Crystal Palace 3-3 Bournemouth
Manchester City 2-0 Everton
Sunderland 2-0 Wolves
Fulham 0-1 Arsenal
Sunday October 19
Tottenham 1-1 Aston Villa
Liverpool-Manchester United (4:30 p.m.)
Monday October 20
West Ham v Brentford (8:00 p.m.)
