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.

Luke Shaw’s cross was nodded down by Amad Diallo, and when Alexis Mac Allister could only slice the ball to the edge of the box, Mainoo reacted quickest and guided a composed, side-footed finish that curled into the left corner. His anticipation and execution were flawless.

It was a goal that will draw inevitable comparisons to the striker he scored 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.

His role in Benjamin Sesko’s second goal in the 14th minute was emblematic of his reading of the game. Mainoo won the ball high up the pitch and immediately released Bryan Mbeumo into space, triggering the counter-attack that ended with Sesko bundling home from close range.

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.

However, Mainoo’s time at United looked to be in jeopardy only a few months ago, as he struggled for game time under Ruben Amorim, before Michael Carrick’s appointment turned things around for the 21-year-old.

He has since been lauded as ‘quite incredible’ by his current manager, and it is not hard to see why.