BREAKING Gary Neville points blame at one Liverpool player after shock Man Utd start

Gary Neville slated Virgil van Dijk's defending after Bryan Mbeumo gave Manchester United the lead against Liverpool after only one minute.

Despite their recent Premier League losses to Crystal Palace and the dramatic 2-1 away defeat to Chelsea before the international break, Arne Slot's side were the heavy favourites against United. However, after only one minute, Mbeumo slipped behind the Reds defence and slotted a finish through goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili.

It silenced Anfield immediately and triggered pandemonium in the away end. Looking back on the build-up of the goal, Neville could not believe Van Dijk's contributions moments before Mbeumo scored.

The Liverpool stalwart stepped forward in a bid to win the ball high up the pitch, but ended up clattering his own team-mate Alexis Mac Allister. He then casually got back into position, but did not spot Mbeumo ghosting in behind him.

After the ball hit the back of the next, Neville, while on co-commentary, said: "What a first minute it is from Manchester United. 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 down- watch Van Dijk, that's the thing that stuns me.

"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.

"Mbeumo gets up, he reacts like a boxer who's been punched, and off he goes, and he's so sharp with his right foot. Stunning start for United."

It was the kind of goal which outlined Liverpool's defensive weaknesses this season. It only took two passes for Ruben Amorim's side to breach their defence and take the lead.

Liverpool almost levelled immediately through Cody Gakpo , who finished a sweeping, counterattack by curling an effort against Senne Lammens' post.

As the defending Premier League champions recovered from Gakpo's close attempt, Bruno Fernandes surged down the other end of the pitch a few moments later and grazed the outside of the post with his effort.

There will be more to follow on this breaking news story and Mirror Sport will bring you the latest updates, pictures and video as soon as possible.

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