Champions League nights will be returning to Old Trafford, after another Big 6 win for Michael Carrick's Manchester United. This time at the hands of Liverpool. As United record a season double against their bitter rivals for the first time in a decade.
Match Report
As I took to my seat high up in the East Stand, you could feel a sense of expectation, but also nervousness from the Old Trafford faithful. With United only needing a single point to guarantee their return to the top tier of European football for next season.
As the game kicked off those nerves swiftly diminished, as United went straight onto the front foot. Controlling the game through usual suspects Fernandes and Casemiro; as chants for the latter to extend his contract affectionately rang around The Theatre of Dreams throughout the contest.
Although it was another Brazilian who opened the scoring for United, as firm favourite Cunha, who has had a standout season since his big money summer move from now relegated Wolves. Confidently side footed his shot into the bottom corner with only 6 minutes on the clock. To rapturous scenes inside the ground, busting out his now trademark Surf celebration. Emphatic start, 1-0 United.
Unlike some earlier season performances. Manchester United kept up the pressure with every attack looking like it could lead to a goal. Šeško was a constant threat, and he should have doubled the lead, only to trip whilst bearing down on goal. However the disappointment was short lived as United recycled the ball well, and Fernandes header was parried onto the big Slovenian. As the ball trickled past Liverpool's third choice keeper, and just like that it was 2-0. Although some controversy with VAR would ensue.
The rebounded ball appeared to graze the strikers hand before creeping over the line. After a lengthy check the goal was eventually given. Allowing for the home faithful to celebrate the goal all over again. Although it remains unclear if Fernandes will officially be credited with the assist; as he creeps ever closer to the season assist record.
United were dominant, and well and truly in the drivers seat. Liverpool continued to struggle, and were the side desperate for the break. Gakpo produced the visitors best moment. But his whipped shot sailed just past the post.
Fernandes also saw a shot go just wide, to clear frustration from the talismanic Portuguese. That would've been curtains for the visitors had that gone in.
The whistle blew for half time and although not unassailable, it looked for all that United were confidently marching towards the three points, and a return to Champions League football.
This thought was not one shared by United's opponents though. As the second half had barely begun before a misplaced pass by substitute Amad gifted Liverpool's best player Szoboszlai a free run at goal and he confidently slotted the ball home. 2-1, nightmare start to the second half by United.
It was only minutes later before it got worse for the home side. As United tried, and failed to play it out from the back with Lammens gifting the ball to Liverpool who capitalized on the mistake. With the move resulting in Gakpo rolling it into an empty net. He won't get an easier goal all season. This was certainly Lammens worst moment in a United shirt, and just like that it was all level. 2-2.
🔴⚪️Man United 3-2 Liverpool ⚪️⚫️ #HIGHLIGHTS pic.twitter.com/e1IT2vsK0r
— BUTROUS ! (@thebutrous) May 3, 2026
Liverpool's away fans; who were stood right beneath me, were now alive to the turnaround and in fine voice. As United long standing half time record appeared in grave danger, not for the first time this season
A heart in mouth moment for the home faithful soon followed. As an in-swung free kick; of which the awarding was in itself controversial, ping ponged around the six yard box, with Lammens shovelling it away with his legs. Huge let off!
The game settled down after this, with United finally getting a foot hold in the game, and resembling their first half form. But could they make it count?
A question that didn't take long to answer, as a good attacking move down the left hand side resulted in a cross being nodded down and eventually making it's way out to Mainoo; a once maligned figure under previous boss Amorim, and on the week he just committed his long term future to the Red Devils. He didn't take long to repay that faith, as he caressed his shot from outside the box into the bottom corner. Huge goal, big celebrations both on & off the pitch and just like that United were back in front. 3-2.
Liverpool did huff and puff, with young substitute striker Ngumoah coming closest to levelling, but his whipped shot went just wide. To huge jeers from the home fans. That felt like the moment for Liverpool, and one they couldn't capitalise on.
The final whistle blew, and just like that United secure their return to European top competition; a feat that seemed impossible when Carrick took interim charge, and further cement their third spot in the league jumping 6 points ahead of their Merseyside visitors with only three games to play.
Talk of Carrick getting the job on a more permanent basis will surely; and deservedly, intensify now. As United can now look forward to what appears to be a pivotal summer for the club as they look to build on the upturn in their fortunes ahead of next season.
Almost a perfect day, had it not been for the news that legendary manager Sir Alex Ferguson had to be rushed to hospital from the ground minutes prior to kick off. With the whole footballing fraternity praying for his speedy recovery.
