Manchester United have the bragging rights over bitter rivals Liverpool after a 3-2 victory at Old Trafford on Sunday to complete a Premier League double this season.
Matheus Cunha and Benjamin Sesko gave the Red Devils a 2-0 lead at half-time before Dominik Szoboszlai and Cody Gakpo levelled for the visitors. However, academy graduate Kobbie Mainoo scored the winner for the hosts with a fine side-footed finish to confirm Michael Carrick’s side Champions League for next season.
Daily Mail Sport’s CHRIS WHEELER (Manchester United) and LEWIS STEELE (Liverpool) were at the match to provide their player ratings.
MANCHESTER UNITED (4-2-3-1)
Senne Lammens – 5
The Belgian has made next to no mistakes since establishing himself as United’s No 1 this season, but he was at fault for Liverpool’s second goal with an awful pass out to Casemiro that went straight to Mac Allister. What a time to lose focus as United were punished for two lapses.
Senne Lammens made his first mistake to lead to a goal against Man United since joining
Diogo Dalot – 6.5
Found himself up against Gakpo and Wirtz as Liverpool alternated on their left, and did well on the whole. Could have got tighter on Szoboszlai for the first goal. Missed a chance to score with almost the last kick of the game.
Harry Maguire – 6.5
Dominant with his head – even when it came to blocking Gravenberch’s shot while lying down – but was beaten too easily by Szoboszlai on the ground for Liverpool’s first goal.
Ayden Heaven – 6.5
Teenager’s first experience of this fixture made easier by not having to face Salah, Isak or Ekitike, and this was another mature display from him. Couldn’t be faulted for either goal.
Luke Shaw – 7
Had Frimpong in his pocket in the first half but was booked for tripping the Dutchman after slipping shortly after half-time as the course of the game changed dramatically. Solid overall.
Casemiro – 7
The Brazilian helped to steady the ship after United threatened to throw the game away. He had scored on his last three appearances at Old Trafford as he prepares for an emotional farewell, and he should have found the net again but headed straight at Woodman from a free-kick.
Kobbie Mainoo – 8
Celebrated signing his new contract with the winner, drilling home his first goal of the season from the edge of the box after Liverpool failed to clear their lines in the 77th minute. Crowned another excellent performance by the young midfielder.
Kobbie Mainoo was Man United’s hero to cap off a week which saw him sign a new contract
Bryan Mbeumo – 7
Much better from the Cameroon attacker who has been below-par since returning from AFCON. A real handful for Liverpool in the first half and desperately unlucky not to score with a backheel against the post. Ran out of steam before he was subbed.
Bruno Fernandes – 6.5
Denied a record-equalling 20th Premier League assist of the season because Woodman got a touch on his header guided towards Sesko before the Slovenian scored. Surely it’s only a matter of time before the United captain emulates Thierry Henry and Kevin De Bruyne. Got away with a yellow card for a lunging tackle on Szoboszlai.
Matheus Cunha – 7
The one change in the United line-up from Monday’s win over Brentford after returning from injury, and justified his recall by firing United in front inside six minutes. Faded a little after that though.
Benjamin Sesko – 6.5
Bundled the ball in at the second attempt for his second goal of the week, but should probably have scored from the initial opportunity created by Fernandes. Replaced by Diallo at half-time.
Head coach: Michael Carrick – 7
Another day, another successful audition for the full-time job of head coach. He’ll be furious that United threw away a two-goal lead, but it’s another win to mathematically ensure Champions League qualification.
Substitutes
Amad Diallo (for Sesko 46, 5)
Patrick Dorgu (for Mbeumo 75, 6.5)
Joshua Zirkzee (for Cunha 87)
Leny Yoro (for Fernandes 90+5)
Not used: Bayindir, Mazraoui, Mount, Malacia, Ugarte
LIVERPOOL (4-2-3-1)
Freddie Woodman – 5
Dodgy distribution put Liverpool under pressure and did not instil confidence this week after a stellar performance last time out.
Curtis Jones – 7 (Booked)
Inter Milan and Tottenham want to sign Jones this summer but he has been assured in recent weeks from right back. A class act in possession but can improve defensively.
Ibrahima Konate – 5
Another tough afternoon for Liverpool’s centre halves and Sesko seemed to win the battle against Konate in the first half.
Virgil van Dijk – 6
Some vital defensive headers from United’s set pieces but the Reds were far too often exploited.
Andy Robertson – 5.5
Did not do much wrong overall but was switched for Kerkez early in the second half with Slot perhaps wary of the pace of Amad on the counter-attack.
Ryan Gravenberch – 5.5
Played through and bypassed too easily, not for the first time this season. Does not have the same impact on games he did last year.
Alexis Mac Allister – 5
A lot of Liverpool players’ levels have dropped this season but Mac Allister’s fall-off has been the most stark. From a world-class midfielder to one outplayed every week.
Jeremie Frimpong – 5
Too wasteful in possession in the first half but improved after the break and put in some dangerous crosses.
Dominik Szoboszlai – 7.5
His solo goal was another memorable moment of this outstanding individual campaign but, like so often this year, the Hungarian was let down by his team-mates.
Cody Gakpo – 7 (Booked)
Was better in the second half when he led the line, took his goal well and put in a good shift off the ball.
Florian Wirtz – 5
Another big game goes by without a meaningful Wirtz contribution. The German is still settling into English life but simply must improve next year.
Manager: Arne Slot – 5
His selection was forced with Isak, Salah and Ekitike out injured but Liverpool were too passive.
Substitutes
Milos Kerkez (for Robertson, 59min) – 6
Rio Ngumoha (for Frimpong, 75) – 6
Federico Chiesa (for Konate, 88)
Not used: Pecsi, Gomez, Nyoni, Morrison, Ndiaye, Wright.
Referee: Darren England
Att: 74,027
