Liverpool vs Man United ref watch: Three decisions Michael Oliver got horribly wrong
Below is a summary of the full article. Click here for the full version from Football Insider or go back to LFC Live.
(Credit: Imago) Sun 19 October 2025 18:29, UK The Liverpool versus Man United rivalry was again intensified by a few contentious decisions by referee Michael Oliver.Bryan Mbeumo’s first minute goal gave Man United an early lead at Anfield, as the Red Devils secured consecutive victories under Ruben Amorim for the very first time.Harry Maguire headed home a late winner after Cody Gakpo had equalised in the second half for the hosts.Man United climbed to within two points of Liverpool in the Premier League table with an important victory for under pressure boss Amorim.Credit: ImagoPlay should have been stopped for Alexis Mac Allister head injuryBefore Mbeumo’s goal, the Man United forward collided with Liverpool midfielder Alexis Mac Allister in the middle of the park. Mac Allister went down with a clear head injury, which Oliver said he did not see, therefore not stopping the game as he should have done to the laws of the game.The assistant referee’s and the fourth official should have helped out Oliver and communicated with him that the game had to be stopped due to a head injury.
MORE FOOTBALL INSIDER STORIES Mbeumo was a Man United player who could hurt Liverpool, and so it proved albeit in controversial circumstances.Amad Diallo penalty decisionAmad Diallo may have been fortunate to have gotten away with a handball in the penalty area during the first half.Gakpo’s clipped cross did hit Diallo’s arm but the VAR said that it was in a natural position, and therefore an on-field review was not conducted. Diallo though did turn his body to block the cross with his arm, and if Oliver had seen the incident again he would have had a decision to make.Credit: Getty ImagesYellow card for Diallo challengeDiallo was then unfortunate to receive a yellow card in the second half when he clearly won the ball with a fine sliding tackle.
His follow through caught Gakpo on the foot, but there was nowhere else Diallo could place his foot.The challenge was the first yellow card of the match for Diallo’s third foul of the game, and perhaps Oliver gave the wing-back a caution as part of a totting-up process.However, it was a harsh decision and maybe forced Amorim’s hand to substitute Diallo with 30 minutes remaining.Diallo was rewarded with a new Man United contract last year and he has proved an important player in Amorim’s system.