Kobbie Mainoo delivered the decisive moment of a pulsating encounter at Old Trafford, scoring a late winner as Manchester United edged Liverpool FC 3-2 in a result that secured UEFA Champions League qualification and completed a first league double over their rivals in a decade.
United started on the front foot and were rewarded early. Matheus Cunha eventually broke the deadlock with a deflected effort after initially needing two attempts to beat the goalkeeper, before Benjamin Šeško reacted quickest to a rebound from a Bruno Fernandes header to double the lead inside the opening 15 minutes.
Liverpool responded before the break with a few warning signs, as Cody Gakpo went close, but United held firm to take a two-goal advantage into half-time.
The second half, however, belonged to Liverpool for long spells. A mistake from United allowed Dominik Szoboszlai to reduce the deficit before Gakpo converted from close range to complete a rapid turnaround.
With momentum shifting, United looked vulnerable, but they refused to collapse. In the closing stages, Liverpool failed to clear their lines properly, and Mainoo seized the moment—stroking a composed finish into the bottom corner from the edge of the box after a loose clearance from Alexis Mac Allister.
The goal sent Old Trafford into celebration and ultimately proved decisive, as United held on through late pressure from Liverpool, including efforts from Gakpo, to secure all three points.
The victory guarantees a top-five finish and Champions League football for next season, marking a major step forward in the club’s revival under manager Michael Carrick.
