Manchester United's English midfielder #37 Kobbie Mainoo scores the team's third goal during the English Premier League football match between Manchester United and Liverpool at Old Trafford in Manchester, north west England, on May 3, 2026. (Photo by Darren Staples / AFP)
Manchester, United Kingdom: Manchester United secured Champions League football next season as Kobbie Mainoo's strike earned a thrilling 3-2 victory over old rivals Liverpool on Sunday.
United were 2-0 up inside 15 minutes through Matheus Cunha and Benjamin Sesko, but imploded after the break to allow Arne Slot's men to level with goals from Dominik Szoboszlai and Cody Gakpo before Mainoo secured the win.
A return to Europe's elite competition after a two-year absence and another big game win furthers Michael Carrick's case to continue as United boss next season.
Mainoo has embodied the upturn in United's fortunes since Carrick took charge in January.
Overlooked by Ruben Amorim, the England midfielder earned a new five-year contract this week and celebrated in style with a cool finish from the edge of the box to edge a wild encounter.
Third-placed United open up a six-point lead over Liverpool and are guaranteed to finish in the top five.
Despite an 11th league defeat of the season, Liverpool likely need only three points from their three remaining games to also secure a place in the Champions League.
