Kobbie Mainoo scored a late winner from outside the box to beat Liverpool (Image: Getty)
Manchester United had Kobbie Mainoo to thank for saving their blushes as they survived a major scare to beat Liverpool in a five-goal thriller. They enjoyed a dream start when Matheus Cunha fired into the net after only six minutes before Benjamin Sesko bundled over the line from close range. The goal was allowed to stand by VAR despite the forward appearing to brush the ball with his hand in the process of scoring.
United were firmly on top and cruising to victory, but the second half was almost a completely different game as the visitors scored two quick-fire goals in the space of nine minutes. Dominik Szoboszlai capitalised on a mistake from Amad, running through most of the pitch and find the bottom corner, before Senne Lammens carelessly gave the ball away to give Cody Gakpo the easiest of finishes.
It looked like United would be forced to settle for a draw until Mainoo slammed home from the edge of the box, sending Old Trafford into raptures. The result saw the Red Devils confirm their place in next season’s Champions League and complete a domestic double over Liverpool for the first time in 10 years.
Here are your United player ratings from today’s dramatic victory…
Man Utd player ratings vs Liverpool
Senne Lammens – 5
Wasn’t to blame for the first goal but was totally at fault for the second with an awful pass under pressure. The mind boggles.
Helped to start attacks with some direct running, but had a crucial lapse in concentration when Liverpool scored their first goal.
Enjoyed a solid first half but could have done more to stop Szoboszlai from running through with United all over the place.
Didn’t look nervous or out of place at the back despite the magnitude of the fixture. Rose to the challenge and had a good game.
Decent at the back and useful in attack, putting in a delightful cross in the build-up to Sesko’s goal. A strong display overall.
Started well enough but struggled to deal with the pace of the match as Liverpool turned the screw in the second half.
Saved the day with a terrific strike from outside the box, scoring his first Premier League goal in nearly two years.
Mainoo’s strike saw the Red Devils complete the league double over their rivals (Image: Getty)
Had a huge hand in creating United’s second goal and very nearly got on the scoresheet himself. As usual, at the heart of everything.
Took the initiative early on with some dangerous balls into the Liverpool box. Posed a threat almost every time United went forward.
Opened the scoring with a fine bouncing finish after only six minutes and linked up well with his attacking team-mates.
Got himself in the right area to bundle the ball home for United’s second goal. Played well before he was replaced at the break.
Gave the ball away with a terrible pass in the build-up to Szoboszlai’s goal, which won’t have done much for his confidence.
Came on with 15 minutes remaining in place of Mbeumo. Ran around a lot without actually doing much and fumbled a great chance to score.
A late addition, replacing Cunha.
A late addition, replacing Fernandes.
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