Explained: Why Man Utd defender Diogo Dalot was sent off against Liverpool – with Red Devils star shown two yellow cards in 10 seconds

There had been little to get excited about over the course of 93 minutes on Merseyside, but there was to be late drama in stoppage-time. United ended the game with 10 men after seeing Dalot dismissed by referee Michael Oliver.

There was initial confusion as to why Dalot was being ushered from the field, but it quickly became apparent that he had collected two cautions in a matter of seconds. Dalot did not take kindly to seeing a throw-in awarded against him, with the ball flicking off Mohamed Salah’s boot before rolling out of play.

Dalot contested the initial award of a throw to Liverpool, leading to a yellow immediately being flashed in his direction. The versatile Portugal international continued to air his frustration in Oliver’s direction, earning him a second caution and an unnecessary dismissal.

Dalot will now have to serve a one-match ban, ruling him out of United’s trip to West Ham on December 23. His fellow countryman, Red Devils captain Bruno Fernandes, will be available for that fixture having served a suspension of his own against Liverpool – for collecting five bookings in the 2023-24 campaign.