Man Utd edge past Liverpool to book Champions League spot | OneFootball

Kobbie Mainoo marked his new contract in style as Manchester United beat Liverpool 3-2 in a frantic Old Trafford clash to seal Champions League qualification for next season.

United made a flying start and were two up inside 15 minutes. Matheus Cunha opened the scoring with a deflected finish before Benjamin Sesko was in the right place to turn home after a scramble in the box.

Arne Slot's side hit back straight after half-time. Dominik Szoboszlai punished a loose touch in midfield before Cody Gakpo levelled after a mistake at the back, and suddenly the game had completely flipped.

For a spell, United looked rattled, but they stuck at it and were rewarded late on. Luke Shaw’s cross caused panic in the Liverpool box and the ball dropped to Mainoo on the edge of the area, who swept a first-time strike into the bottom corner to win it.

It was a fitting moment for the 19-year-old, who only signed a new five-year deal earlier in the week after a difficult season for minutes under previous boss Ruben Amorim.

The win confirms United’s return to the Champions League after a two-year absence, while also strengthening Michael Carrick’s case to take the job permanently after a strong run of results.

Liverpool pushed late on but couldn’t find an equaliser, as United celebrated a huge win in one of English football’s biggest fixtures.

Incidents: The story of the match

Manchester United Official Line-ups:

Senne Lammens, Diogo Dalot, Ayden Heaven, Harry Maguire, Luke Shaw, Casemiro, Bruno Fernandes, Kobbie Mainoo, Bryan Mbeumo, Benjamin Sesko, Matheus Cunha

Liverpool Official Line-ups:

Freddie Woodman, Jeremie Frimpong, Virgil Van Dijk, Ibrahima Konaté, Andy Robertson, Dominik Szoboszlai, Florian Wirtz, Alexis Mac Allister, Curtis Jones, Ryan Gravenberch, Cody Gakpo

1':

The match begins

6':

GOAL Manchester United: Matheus Cunha (Manchester United) scores!

Matheus Cunha scores goal number 9 in the competition (31 matches) Matheus Cunha scores goal number 10 for his team (34 matches)

14':

GOAL Manchester United: Benjamin Sesko (Manchester United) scores!

Benjamin Sesko scores goal number 11 in the competition (30 matches) Benjamin Sesko scores goal number 13 for his team (33 matches)

Dominik Szoboszlai scores, making it 2-1.

47':

GOAL Liverpool: Dominik Szoboszlai (Liverpool) scores!

Dominik Szoboszlai scores goal number 6 in the competition (33 matches) Dominik Szoboszlai scores goal number 29 for his team (145 matches)

56':

GOAL Liverpool: Cody Gakpo (Liverpool) scores!

Cody Gakpo scores goal number 7 in the competition (33 matches) Cody Gakpo scores goal number 51 for his team (178 matches)

Kobbie Mainoo scores, making it 3-2.

77':

GOAL Manchester United: Kobbie Mainoo (Manchester United) scores!

Kobbie Mainoo scores goal number 1 in the competition (25 matches) Kobbie Mainoo scores goal number 9 for his team (100 matches)

998':

The referee whistles for the end of the match