Gary Neville Stunned By What Virgil van Dijk Did During Liverpool 1-2 Man United

Gary Neville was stunned following Manchester United’s opening goal against Liverpool, criticising Virgil van Dijk’s conduct leading up to the goal. The Dutchman was at the centre of the buildup that resulted in Bryan Mbeumo’s goal.

After United broke the deadlock in just 63 seconds, the hosts increased the pressure in search of an equaliser. They hit the crossbar three times in the game before Cody Gakpo scored from close range to square the score.

However, their jubilation was short-lived, as Harry Maguire headed in a looping cross from Bruno Fernandes, causing frenzied scenes in the away end. The 2-1 loss left Liverpool looking for their first win in four games, with Arne Slot facing a difficult task to improve his team’s form.

Neville is shocked by Van Dijk’s defending.

There was substantial debate surrounding the game’s opening goal, as Alexis MacAllister appeared to suffer a head injury prior to Mbeumo blasting the ball past Giorgi Mamardashvili. But Neville, who was commenting on the game for Sky Sports, was more concerned with Van Dijk’s antics.

The Liverpool captain had rushed up the pitch to challenge Mbeumo for a header, but the duo collided with Mac Allister, who tumbled to the ground. However, although the United attacker moved fast to attack the goal, the centre-back lacked urgency.

That didn’t sit well with Neville, who felt Van Dijk should have raced back to support his backline. He said, “Watch Van Dijk; that’s the thing that amazes me here. Mbuemo runs off the back of him, and I don’t think Van Dijk notices! Konate is unable to cross, so keep an eye on Van Dijk. Mbuemo stands up, reacts like a boxer who has been punched, and takes off.

“Do you believe van Dijk is passing him on or attempting to play him offside?

“Watch him here; he slows down and points to Konate, as if to say, ‘it’s your man.'” It’s an unusual transfer from him.

It was a challenging day for Van Dijk and the rest of Liverpool’s defence. BBC Sport analyst and former Liverpool star Stephen Warnock questioned the club captain’s connection with left-back Milos Kerkez, claiming the two were on completely different wavelengths.

The defensive solidity that served as the foundation for the Reds’ title-winning season in 2024/25 appears to have vanished, and this must be corrected urgently if Slot’s team is to keep up with league leaders Arsenal. They will have the opportunity to win again against Frankfurt in the Champions League on Wednesday before travelling to London to face Brentford next Saturday.