Manchester United secured Champions League football next season after a 3-2 win over Liverpool at Old Trafford on Sunday, with Kobbie Mainoo scoring the decisive goal.
The home side started strongly and took control early, going 2-0 up inside 15 minutes through Matheus Cunha and Benjamin Sesko.
Cunha opened the scoring after his effort from the edge of the box deflected off Alexis Mac Allister, leaving Freddie Woodman with no chance.
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Sesko then added the second, finishing from close range after a Bruno Fernandes delivery caused problems in the box.
United continued to press and nearly extended their lead before Liverpool responded.
Fernandes also came close but was off target from a good crossing opportunity and despite their dominance, there were signs of Liverpool’s threat before the break, with Cody Gakpo going close.
After halftime, Liverpool returned with more control and quickly levelled the match. Dominik Szoboszlai capitalised on a loose pass and ran from deep before finishing into the bottom corner.
United’s problems continued when another error in midfield led to the equaliser, with Szoboszlai involved again before setting up Gakpo for a simple finish.
With the game level, both sides pushed for a winner, as Liverpool looked more settled at that stage, but United regained control in the closing phase.
The decisive moment came when a clearance fell to Mainoo on the edge of the box, and he finished calmly into the bottom corner.
The result moves United into a six-point lead over Liverpool and guarantees a top-five finish, securing a return to Europe’s top competition after two seasons away.
Liverpool, despite the defeat, remains in a position to qualify with points still available from their remaining fixtures.
The win adds to a strong run of results under Michael Carrick, who has overseen victories over several top sides during his time in charge.
