United beat Liverpool 2-1 at Anfield as Van Dijk under scrutiny

Manchester United beat Liverpool 2-1 at Anfield on Sunday, handing the champions a fourth successive defeat and intensifying scrutiny of Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk after an early defensive lapse. The result left Liverpool trailing in the Premier League and raised fresh questions about the club's defensive stability and leadership as the season progresses.

United struck inside the opening minutes when Bryan Mbeumo raced clear to finish past Liverpool goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili after a collision between van Dijk and teammate Alexis Mac Allister left play briefly disrupted. Liverpool levelled through Cody Gakpo with about 12 minutes remaining, but Harry Maguire headed a winner in the 84th minute to secure United's victory and their first away win at Anfield in several years.

Van Dijk acknowledged mistakes in the defeat, saying after the match, "We conceded a very sloppy second goal" and that the team had been "far too rushed," adding that the squad must remain calm and stick together. He also described the phase as an "interesting time" and urged unity among players and supporters.

Former players and pundits sharply criticised van Dijk's role in the opener and his recent...