Manchester United edged a pulsating Champions League six-pointer 3-2 past Liverpool at Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon, with Kobbie Mainoo's 77th-minute finish settling an encounter that swung decisively twice inside 90 minutes — and left the Reds' ambitions to finish in the top four hanging by a thread with three games remaining.
The Red Devils' early onslaught appeared to have put the contest to bed before half-time. Inside just six minutes, Matheus Cunha broke the deadlock with a clinical finish; eight minutes later, Benjamin Sesko doubled the lead to leave the 74,000-strong Old Trafford crowd dreaming of an emphatic statement win. But Liverpool — as they have done countless times this season — mounted a stirring comeback that threatened to snatch an improbable victory.
The Reds' resurgence began immediately after the interval. On 47 minutes, Dominik Szoboszlai reduced the arrears with a well-taken finish, and nine minutes later — with United's defence looking increasingly ragged — Cody Gakpo levelled matters after Szoboszlai's assist from the left flank. With Liverpool's momentum undeniable and Curtis Jones booked for a foul on 75, the contest seemed to be slipping from United's grasp.
Yet the Red Devils refused to surrender. On 77 minutes, Mainoo pounced to restore United's lead with a composed finish that sent the home support into raptures. For all of Slot's side's possession and intensity — they threatened to overwhelm United during a 20-minute spell after the restart — they could not find a second equaliser despite a succession of late chances. Bruno Fernandes' yellow card on 81 minutes, for a challenge that garnered criticism for its recklessness, underscored United's desperation in the closing stages, yet they held firm.
Szoboszlai was the standout performer across the 95 minutes, earning a man-of-the-match rating of 8.3 for his goalscoring and creative contribution — the Hungarian midfielder struck with precision and linked play with genuine intelligence throughout. Mainoo and Fernandes, both rated 8.0, proved equally vital to United's victory; the former's composure in the closing stages was exactly what the Red Devils required, whilst Fernandes orchestrated play from deep despite his late indiscretion.
The Athletic noted that for all Liverpool's dominance in passages of play, they remain fourth in the table and have fallen into what looks increasingly like a doom loop — eighteen defeats this season and a recurring pattern of gifting opposition teams winning positions. Arne Slot faces a thorny selection dilemma ahead of Chelsea's visit next weekend, with Andy Robertson's continued availability in question. Sky Sports reported that United, by contrast, are already plotting a significant midfield overhaul, with sources suggesting readiness to spend £150m on three new additions this summer — a statement of intent that this victory may yet accelerate.
The win lifts United to fourth on 64 points, just two adrift of Arsenal with a game in hand — a position that keeps the dream of Champions League football alive with nine points still available. Liverpool, stuck on 62 points, cannot afford another slip. Next up: United travel to Brighton on Wednesday evening, whilst Liverpool host Chelsea at Anfield on Saturday lunchtime, a fixture that has taken on added urgency given the Reds' tightening window.