Why Diogo Dalot was sent-off for Manchester United and Liverpool's Darwin Nunez wasn't

Michael Oliver had "no choice" but to show Manchester United defender Diogo Dalot a red card against Liverpool on Sunday afternoon at Anfield.

That's according to former Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher as he spoke about the decision in his role for Sky Sports on their Ref Watch show. Dalot picked up two bookings in the dying embers for venting his frustrations towards Oliver during a goalless draw.

Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez, though, escaped similar punishment in the aftermath of the yellow card he picked up for a challenge on Jonny Evans in the first half. He appeared to sarcastically applaud Oliver for his caution, yet he was reprieved.

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"It's so, so difficult because this is not an exact science," said Gallagher on the latest Ref Watch episode.

"On one hand, you say to me I don't want two yellow cards for Dalot, but two minutes later you say you want a yellow for [Mohamed] Salah and three for Nunez. I have nowhere to go.

"Whichever way I jump, you will say I'm wrong."

Gallagher added: "In the current climate, the referee has no choice. I get the United fans will call for Nunez to be sent-off, but the referee didn't choose to do it [that time]."

United made the short trip to Anfield beset with selection problems. Erik ten Hag was missing 11 players for that showdown - through injury, illness and suspension - but the Reds battled valiantly at a place where they lost 7-0 last season to pick up a creditable point and remain in the hunt for the European places.

Their next top-fight game, for which Portugal international Dalot will be suspended, comes against West Ham at the London