Manchester United 3-2 Liverpool: Arne Slott’s side showed resilience from a two-goal deficit, but Koby Mainu snatched a valuable point from the Red Devils.
Coby Mainu became a hero for Manchester United after scoring a late winner against Liverpool (Image: Sean Botterill)
Manchester United somehow relinquished a commanding two-goal lead over Liverpool in an eventful match at Old Trafford, with Koby Mainu scoring the precious goal to return Manchester United to the Champions League.
United began their onslaught of Liverpool as soon as they got out of the blocks, but it took just six minutes for the visitors to get through. A corner kick fell to the returning Matheus Cunha on the edge of the area, and the Brazilian saw his initial shot blocked before firing a shot past a sprawling Freddie Woodman.
Liverpool’s stand-in goalkeeper had shown heroics in recent matches, but his good fortune disappeared minutes later as United doubled their lead, albeit not before a VAR check for a handball. Woodman could only deflect a Bruno Fernandes header into the thigh of Benjamin Sesco, who smashed the ball into goal from a few yards out.
With United on cruise control, a memorable victory looked all but certain. But they inexplicably undone that good work just nine minutes into the second half. First, Dominik Szoboszlai curled a low shot into the bottom corner of Senne Lamence’s goal after United had carelessly turned the ball over. Then, in the 56th minute, Lamence’s attempt to play from a goal kick was a huge mistake, and Kodi Gakpo gleefully made the most of his chance to equalize.
However, after that, Mainu took center stage and landed a stunning blow that surpassed Woodman, bringing this grudge match to a spectacular conclusion. Here’s the thing about mirror football…
read more: Premier League: Benjamin Sesco goal explains Man United vs Liverpool VAR controversyread more: Sir Alex Ferguson goes to hospital after feeling unwell before Manchester United vs. Liverpool
1) Man of Mynu
When the time comes, people will come. And Mainu had to wait for the moment that would seal Manchester United’s spectacular return to the Champions League.
Having given up a two-goal lead, United looked set to inflict more misery on their arch-rivals, regretting missed big chances after a disastrous start to the second half. But Mainu had other ideas.
Although maligned by Ruben Amorim, the born-and-bred midfield maestro continues to be a wonder under Michael Carrick. And this was his sweetest moment ever.
2) Cunha leads the early siege attack.
Matheus Cunha gives United a deserved early breakthrough (Image: Shaun Brooks/CameraSport)
Manchester United got off to a fast start and got their deserved reward with the returning Cunha scoring his ninth Premier League goal of the season. That shot set the tone for the first half, with Liverpool essentially on the sidelines for 45 minutes.
United spent £200m revamping their attacking line-up last summer and are now reaping the benefits. Cunha has been far more effective than his 13-goal contribution in the league, and it’s not a shabby return by any means, but he made an immediate impact here after missing out on Monday night’s win over Brentford. Liverpool’s front three have been tormenting United in recent years. This time, the show was the other way around.
3) Sesco’s worries make Striker’s day difficult
Benjamin Sesco and Cunha put United in charge (Image: Shaun Brooks/CameraSport)
When Manchester United made a huge investment in Sesco in the summer, eyebrows were raised. Especially since they spent a significant amount of money on Rasmus Hojlund the previous year.
However, the Slovenian international is growing into the famous red shirt. He was a real nuisance for Liverpool’s defense until he was sent off at the break, and although it wasn’t particularly spectacular, he did score his 11th goal in the Premier League this season.
Throughout the campaign, doubts about Mr. Sesco subsided considerably. United’s hope is that this is the last time they see him this season, as he limped to the bench after being replaced by Amad at half-time.
4) Unwanted double slot man
Kodi Gakpo scores Liverpool’s equalizer at 2-2 (Image: Liverpool FC)
The last time Manchester United won a double against Liverpool was in 2016. At half-time, you would have thought it looked like a pretty good bet for the hosts to inflict unwanted damage on Arne Slott’s team.
But Liverpool at least showed some character and fight after the break. And at 2-2, there was a time when victory looked more likely until Maynou popped out to secure United’s first double in 10 years.
It has been a difficult second season for Slott, and some of the questions being asked of the Dutchman are not without meaning. But given that Liverpool are without Mo Salah and without both Hugo Ekitike and Alexander Isak, Slott and his team were up against it from the start here. As it turned out, it wasn’t enough for them.
5) Carrick scores a goal in the Champions League
Carrick has made a huge impression since stepping into the Old Trafford hot seat. As such, he is currently considered the frontrunner to become Manchester United’s long-term head coach.
It has always been thought that qualifying for the Champions League would put Carrick in a better position to continue in his current role. According to Roy Keane ahead of the match, a clear win against United’s biggest rivals would further strengthen that.
For 45 minutes, it looked exactly as Carrick would get. It wasn’t in the script how the game changed after the break, but Mainu’s late winner, in a way, saved United’s blushes. And a captivating 3-2 victory in a grudge match against a rival should not be snorted, regardless of how the job was completed.
When I say job done, I mean it, United have qualified for the Champions League. Is it also over for Carrick and his Manchester United job? That remains to be seen.
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