Man rules on Mbeumo goal for UTD after ex-PGML McAlister head injury

Former FIFA referee and ex-PGML chief Keith Hackett has given his verdict on Brian Mbemo’s controversial opener for Manchester United in their 2-1 win over Liverpool, which left Jamie Carragher “shocked”.

Harry Maguire scored a late winner for United after Cody Gakpo canceled out Mabeau’s first-minute goal, prompting several Liverpool players to confront referee Michael Oliver as Alexis McAllister lay on the ground clutching his head.

Reds captain Virgil van Dijk called out his team-mate for the goal, and his contention was that Oliver should have blown his whistle, as is customary with head injuries.

Read more: Van Dijk, Salah and Isak all terrible as Manchester United push Liverpool into crisis

But Hackett believes the right decision was made, while Oliver suggests that – as Oliver pointed out – the referee didn’t see the head injury.

“The three players challenged fairly for the ball which bounced and got Man into the attack. They managed to score a good goal,” Hackett said Football insider.

“It appears that referee Oliver did not see the head injury and allowed play to continue. The goal was scored and rightly allowed.

“Wor cannot intervene upon it. It is not a clear and obvious error.”

Read more: Carragher’s Liverpool goal ‘baby’ as Neville ‘stunned’

Giving his thoughts on the incident, Carragher said on the comments: “I’m disappointed that the players have taken advantage of this rule. Yesterday there was an incident in the arms game near the dugout, and the referee pulled it back.

“I’m very surprised Michael Oliver hasn’t brought it back.”

Gary Neville was stunned by his role in Van Dijk’s goal, commenting: “McAllister goes down, but what amazes me is van Dijk. Mebemo runs away from him. He can’t see it. It’s a big surprise.

“Mabimo reacts like a boxer off the ground, and he’s away. Mammadashvili can’t keep him out, a wonderful start for Manchester United. I can’t work if van Dijk is trying to play him off. He points to Contet as if to say, ‘That’s your man.’ It’s a strange handover on his part.

Analyzing the goal for Sky Sports, Roy Keane said: “Obviously the referee could have stopped it but I don’t know why Virgil van Dijk is getting involved (with the header). Then he goes back (to tackle Fernandes) so he’s out of position. Liverpool are on the back foot but it’s worse than van Dijk.”

Redknapp added: “It’s great from United but Van Dijk made a big mistake. To splash it back. Yes there is a clash but you have to get back into form.