Sky Sports confirm reason why referee did NOT stop Liverpool vs Man Utd for head injury

Referee Michael Oliver didn't see Alexis Mac Allister down with a head injury seconds before Manchester United's controversial opening goal against Liverpool . Bryan Mbeumo gave United a 1-0 lead barely one minute into Sunday's Premier League clash.

But when Mbeumo's low strike beat Giorgi Mamardashvili, Liverpool star Mac Allister was lying on the turf holding his head following a three-man collision. Sky Sports commentator Peter Drury explained: "What we are getting from the Match Centre is that the referee didn't see the injury and was therefore obviously not able to stop the game."

Liverpool icon Jamie Carragher , who joined Drury and United legend Gary Neville on commentary, wasn't impressed and responded: "He was down holding his head." The FA's laws of the game say that play must be stopped if, in the referee's opinion, a player suffers a head injury.

Mac Allister, 26, had to wear a protective helmet after being treated for his injury. United goalscorer Mbeumo was part of the same collision but came away unscathed and was able to take advantage of sloppy Liverpool defending.

The hosts were left even more frustrated with Oliver when he waved away a penalty appeal for an alleged handball by Amad. VAR checked the incident and agreed with the referee.

"The referee's call of no penalty was checked and confirmed by VAR – with it deemed that Amad's arm was in a natural and justifiable position," a post from the Premier League's Match Centre account read.

Neville agreed, saying: "Amad has his arm in the position that referees give penalties for. But it hits his other arm. He just needs to keep his arms down. He finds himself in situations he is not used to: blocking crosses."

United came close to making it 2-0 when Bruno Fernandes rattled the post, and the away side were enjoying themselves. But Liverpool wrestled control of the game as the first half wore on, with Alexander Isak forcing Senne Lammens into a smart save.

Arne Slot's side hit the post twice themselves as they searched for an equaliser.