Manchester United boosted their push for a strong finish in the Premier League with a 3–2 victory over Liverpool at Old Trafford, tightening their grip on third place and denting Liverpool’s top-four ambitions.
The win confirms United’s qualification for next season’s UEFA Champions League, alongside Arsenal and Manchester City.
Despite the setback, Liverpool remained in contention for Champions League qualification, with Aston Villa also among the frontrunners. The Premier League is set to send five teams to the 2026–27 edition of Europe’s elite competition.
Elsewhere, Bournemouth climbed to sixth place following a 3–0 win over Crystal Palace. Aston Villa could move above Liverpool if they avoid defeat against 18th-placed Tottenham Hotspur.
Midfielder Kobbie Mainoo credited the team’s collective effort and management after the victory.
Speaking to Sky Sports, he said:
“Happy to turn it around, it’s a credit to all our players and the manager as well. We still need to finish the season strong — this is not enough for us.”
Mainoo, who recently returned to the squad, acknowledged the challenges of limited playing time.
“It was difficult, of course, anytime you’re not playing football. I just tried to look forward and keep my head down,” he added.
He also highlighted the influence of manager Michael Carrick:
“He’s played a huge part in it, all the confidence he gives all the players. You want to follow him and fight for him on the pitch.”
Reflecting on the occasion and his contribution, Mainoo described the fixture as special, particularly after scoring at Old Trafford.
“It’s a blessing to play and a blessing to score… I used to dream of times like these,” he said.
Under Michael Carrick including his interim spell in 2021 Manchester United have now won eight of their first nine home league matches, losing just once.
Carrick becomes only the sixth manager in Premier League history, and the first Englishman, to reach that milestone. The last to do so was Antonio Conte during the 2016–17 season.
LAGOS EYE NEWS reports that Liverpool’s defensive struggles were again evident, particularly from set-pieces. The club has now conceded 17 goals from such situations (excluding penalties) in the league this season — their highest ever in a single Premier League campaign, surpassing the previous record of 16 set in 1992–93.
With only a handful of matches remaining, the race for Champions League qualification remains finely poised.
About The Author
