Kobbie Mainoo Seals Victory as Manchester United Thwart Liverpool Comeback for Champions League Berth

The encounter promised major consequences for the contest over fourth place, and Manchester Uniteds bold opening produced a quick goal.

It carried a touch of luck since Matheus Cunha required a pair of efforts for his deflected left foot shot to settle into the far corner, yet it fully justified the home teams energetic approach.

Their efforts soon paid off again well before the 15 minute mark of the opening period, when after an initial stop by Freddie Woodman from close range, Benjamin Sesko positioned himself perfectly to capitalise on the rebound, as Woodman pushed Bruno Fernandes header onto him and the ball rolled across the goal line.

Cody Gakpo nearly reduced the gap by curling a shot just past the post with Senne Lammens wrong footed, but Manchester United remained unfazed by that Liverpool attempt and nearly extended their lead when Fernandes half volley narrowly missed the upright.

Darren Englands whistle at the break was a welcome sound for Liverpool, who valued the interval to reorganise following a poor first half where they were fortunate to trail by only two, although Ryan Gravenberch did force a save from Lammens late on.

Arne Slots side performed even more poorly after the restart, yet they launched the second half ideally when replacement Amad Diallo lost the ball to Dominik Szoboszlai centrally, allowing the Hungarian to drive forward across much of the Old Trafford surface before finishing calmly into the bottom corner.

Liverpool achieved a stunning reversal just ten minutes after the interval, though it stemmed once more from a mistake by a United player as Lammens errant distribution was intercepted by Alexis Mac Allister, who then set up Gakpo to side foot into an unguarded goal.

Manchester United appeared defeated then, however they mounted a resurgence towards the end and regained the advantage.

Liverpool managed only a partial clearance of Luke Shaws delivery, enabling Kobbie Mainoo to advance onto Alexis Mac Allisters feeble clearance just outside the penalty area and guide the ball into the bottom corner amid joyous celebrations from the Stretford End faithful.

Gakpo challenged Lammens while Liverpool sought a last gasp leveller, but they fell short in their pursuit, allowing Manchester United to clinch a fifth place spot with flair the ideal statement from Michael Carrick in his bid for the full time role.

Liverpools loss may not severely damage their own aspirations for fifth, considering their six point lead with three fixtures left.