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Manchester United secured their place in next season's Champions League with a 3–2 victory over fierce rivals Liverpool at Old Trafford on Sunday.
The Red Devils weren't too far off the top five when Rúben Amorim left the club in January, though their prospects of returning to UEFA's flagship club competition in 2026–27 looked slim when Michael Carrick stepped into the role.
His time in charge hasn't been without its shortcomings, and Sunday's victory was similarly messy, even if there was much to appreciate. The hosts overwhelmed a disorganised Liverpool in the early stages, yet undermined themselves by gifting the Reds a way back into the match.
Arne Slot's side, galvanised by United's mistakes, mounted a push for a remarkable comeback at Old Trafford in the second half, but it was the Red Devils who struck the crucial blow as the thrilling, open encounter approached its conclusion. Kobbie Mainoo was United's match-winner, finishing brilliantly from outside the area to clinch a 3–2 victory and complete their first league double over Liverpool in ten years.
Cunha Emerging as Big-Game Player
Bryan Mbeumo had been the forward Man Utd relied upon against the league's top sides for much of the campaign. The Cameroonian, who has dipped slightly in form late in the season but showed well here, netted in the reverse fixture and also scored in victories over Manchester City and Arsenal early in Carrick's reign.
However, he has since handed the responsibility of delivering in big moments to a fellow summer signing. Matheus Cunha won over the Stretford End almost instantly upon joining the club, with his lively debut performance against Arsenal hinting at what was to come.
It took the unpredictable Brazilian some time to hit his stride, but he has proven to be a decisive figure for the Red Devils in recent weeks. His positioning on the left flank works well with fullback Luke Shaw still dependable on the overlap, enabling Cunha to cut inside without disrupting the team's balance.
He capitalised on sloppy Liverpool defending in the early exchanges, slotting past Freddie Woodman with the help of a crucial deflection off Alexis Mac Allister. It was his ninth league goal of the season, having also scored the only goal in a 1–0 win at Chelsea in his previous appearance. Cunha has also netted against Arsenal (a late winner), rivals Leeds United and Aston Villa in his debut season with the Red Devils.
Liverpool Right to Feel Aggrieved
Man Utd raced into a deserved 2–0 lead through Benjamin Šeško, who had little idea about his 10th Premier League goal after Freddie Woodman palmed Bruno Fernandes's teasing header into the path of the waiting Slovenian.
It appeared harmless at first, with Liverpool's players initially appealing for offside. Šeško showed little hesitation as he sprinted away in celebration.
However, it was quickly confirmed that the goal was being reviewed by the video assistant referee (VAR), with replays indicating the ball may have brushed Šeško's hand before crossing the line. A deviation appeared evident, which became clearer after some old-fashioned close-up analysis.
Arne Slot appeared convinced the goal would be disallowed, but VAR chose to uphold the on-field decision, much to the astonishment of Sir Kenny Dalglish watching from the stands. In explanation, the Premier League Match Center stated there was "no conclusive evidence" to determine that Šeško had handled the ball.
Liverpool's display merited a larger deficit at that stage, but Slot was justified in his frustration with the ruling.
Striker-Less Reds Suffer in Manchester
Liverpool were already aware they would be without Mohamed Salah against a side he has historically relished facing, and the visitors received further unwelcome news over the weekend. A groin injury Alexander Isak sustained in training ruled him out of Sunday's match, meaning the Swede joined Salah and Hugo Ekitiké on the sidelines.
With three attacking players unavailable, Slot turned to a familiar setup. It was a 4-2-4-style formation with a pair of false nines — not quite the same system that delivered a 2–0 win at Manchester City's Etihad Stadium the previous year, but similar in nature.
Despite the tactical adjustment, the same recurring problems plagued this Liverpool performance. The Reds were tidy in patches but let down by a lack of cutting edge and defensive fragility. They have been far too accommodating for opponents all season, and Slot cannot pin that entirely on injuries or fatigue.
That said, the visitors deserve credit for seizing their opportunity after the break, ruthlessly punishing two United errors. They were impressive for a 15-minute spell, with numerical superiority in midfield helping them take control and push the hosts back, who suddenly looked far less assured without possession.
Ultimately, Liverpool were unable to conjure the defining moment needed to complete a historic comeback at Old Trafford. They were beaten on merit.
The Present and Future of Man Utd's Midfield
Man Utd lost their way for large portions of the second half, with the recklessness of their two central midfielders playing a significant role in allowing Liverpool back into the contest.
Kobbie Mainoo was exceptional in the first half, performing with the composure and confidence that first turned heads when he broke into the senior setup. It wasn't necessarily his trademark dribbling that impressed, but rather the fundamentals he executed so effectively. Mainoo won his individual battles, brushing off Dominik Szoboszlai with ease on one occasion, and got United flowing in transition.
Then, it appeared as though he and Casemiro were intent on piling on the goals. The pair were repeatedly caught out of position, leaving United vulnerable to Liverpool's counter-attacks whenever possession was surrendered.
They showed little improvement in that regard in the second period, but Mainoo's attacking instinct paid dividends when he met Mac Allister's careless clearance with a crisp strike from the edge of the Liverpool box to book Man Utd's place among Europe's elite next season.
Having committed his future to Manchester until the 2030s, the once-doubted Mainoo is both the present and the future of United's engine room.