Published: 17:54, 19 October 2025 | Updated: 17:54, 19 October 2025

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...