Kobbie Mainoo stars as Manchester United edge Liverpool to seal Champions League spot | OneFootball

Just a few days after committing his long-term future to Manchester United, Kobbie Mainoo produced another moment of brilliance against Liverpool to seal a 3-2 victory at Old Trafford on Sunday.

With the game poised at 2-2, it was Mainoo who stepped forward with 13 minutes remaining to fire United back in front.

It was a goal that will draw inevitable comparisons to his strike against Liverpool in a 2-2 draw during his breakthrough campaign in April 2024 — and, fittingly, in the same fixture, he has made something of a personal stage.

Mainoo’s influence extended well beyond his moment of inspiration in front of goal. He completed 48 of his 54 passes, won five of his seven ground duels and completed both of his dribble attempts.

Sunday’s victory moves Manchester United six points clear of Liverpool with three games remaining.

For Mainoo, another performance of maturity and match-winning quality against one of the division’s top sides serves as a timely reminder of the immense talent at the club’s disposal.

Mainoo’s time at United looked to be in jeopardy only a few months ago, as he struggled for game time under Ruben Amorim and was linked with a move away from Old Trafford.

However, Michael Carrick’s appointment turned things around for the 21-year-old, who has started 14 of United’s last 15 league outings, missing only the Leeds United game due to injury.

Mainoo was visibly pleased with his performance against Liverpool, stating he ‘used to dream of times like this’ during his pitchside post-match interview.