Rivals Liverpool came back from two goals down to seal a thrilling win thanks to Kobi Manu’s late strike.
Published on 3 May 2026
Kobi Manu’s goal helped Manchester United secure a thrilling 3-2 win over their old rivals Liverpool to secure Champions League football next season.
On Sunday, United were 2-0 up inside 15 minutes through goals from Mathias Cunha and Benjamin Cesco, but fell behind after the break, allowing Arne Slot’s side to equalize through goals from Dominik Szoboszlai and Cody Gakpo before Mainu grabbed the winner.
Recommended Stories
4 item listend of list
A return to Europe’s elite competition after a two-year absence and another big game win have increased Michael Carrick’s chances of remaining as United boss next season.
Manu has sparked a surge in United’s fortunes since Carrick took charge in January.
Having been overlooked by Ruben Amorim, the England midfielder earned a new five-year contract this week and celebrated in style with a stunning finish from the edge of the box.
Third-placed United have opened up a six-point lead over Liverpool and are certain to finish in the top five.
Despite their 11th league defeat of the season, Liverpool need only three points from their remaining three matches to seal a Champions League place.
Slott’s side arrived at Old Trafford without their forward trio of Mohamed Salah, Hugo Ekitike and Alexander Isak due to injury.
United felt blood and deserved an early two-goal lead.
Cunha was given two chances to find his line to open the scoring from the edge of the box.
The Brazilian striker gave Liverpool’s third-choice goalkeeper Freddy Woodman no chance as he dribbled past Alexis McAllister.
United’s attacks continued to come in waves and Cesco appealed for a penalty after Bruno Fernandes’s precise pass failed to beat Woodman.
A few seconds later, the Slovenian fired a header from Fernandes across the line and across the goal.
Fernandes was inches away from a third when he flicked home Brian Mbeumo’s cross.
But there were warning signs of what was to come for United in the second half even before the break.
On one of several occasions when Gakpo curled wide, Liverpool was able to pierce the heart of the Red Devils’ midfield.
Cesso was replaced by Amad Diallo at half-time and the Ivorian almost immediately gave Liverpool a chance to get back into the game.
Szoboszlai pounced on Amad’s loose pass and ran unopposed from inside his own half before firing into the bottom corner.
United were once again the architects of their own downfall in terms of an equaliser.
This time, goalkeeper Sane Lammens’ pass was intercepted by Mac Allister, who fed Szoboszlai, and the Hungarian coolly beat Gakpo for a tap-in.
The game between these clubs featured unusually low stakes as both played cautiously in their search for a winner.
The home side got it when a charging Manu headed into the bottom corner following a poor clearance from Mac Allister.
United’s first league double over Liverpool since the 2015–16 season completes a remarkable turnaround in both sides’ fortunes from a year ago.
Liverpool finished 14 places and 42 points ahead of their rivals on the way to equaling United’s record of 20 English top-flight titles last season.
Carrick has also beaten Arsenal, Manchester City and Chelsea in his short reign and with Champions League money now his primary target made his case hard to ignore.
Manu, who was named man of the match, said Carrick had played a “huge role” in his and the team’s turnaround in form.
“Not just me, all the players have confidence. You want to follow that and fight for it,” Mainu told Sky Sports after the match. “That’s what we showed today.”
In-form Bournemouth Trounce Palace
In Sunday’s first game, Bournemouth boosted their European hopes with an impressive 3-0 win over Crystal Palace in the Premier League.
A devastating own goal from former Cherries midfielder Jefferson Lerma and a 32nd-minute penalty from Junior Crupi set the in-form hosts up to sixth in the table.
Brazilian winger Ryan completed the scoring 13 minutes from time and Andoni Ireola’s side extended their remarkable unbeaten run to 15 top-flight games in convincing fashion.
Palace’s visit to the Vitality Stadium was sandwiched between their two-legged Conference League semi-final against Shakhtar Donetsk, which they advanced 3–1 on aggregate.
