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Liverpool punished as resurgent United secure Champions League return

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Kobbie Mainoo marked his new contract with the decisive goal that sent Manchester United back into the Champions League, sealing a 3-2 win over Liverpool in a frantic Premier League clash at Old Trafford.

United went 2-0 up inside the first half through early strikes from Matheus Cunha and Benjamin Sesko. But Liverpool turned the game around immediately after the restart, with Dominik Szoboszlai and Cody Gakpo punishing defensive errors to draw level.

Read more: Van Dijk’s header wins first derby at new Everton stadium, lifts Liverpool in top-four race

According to the BBC Sports, the winner came late, after Liverpool failed to clear Luke Shaw’s cross. The loose ball dropped to Mainoo on the edge of the box, and the midfielder drove a first-time shot into the bottom corner to restore United’s lead.

The goal came just three days after the 19-year-old signed a new five-year deal, capping a breakthrough season in which he did not make a league start under former manager Ruben Amorim.

The match was attended by heightened concern after former United manager Sir Alex Ferguson was taken from the stadium in an ambulance as a precaution after feeling unwell. United confirmed he was stable.

The win secured United’s return to Europe’s elite competition after two seasons out, while Liverpool still need four points to confirm their qualification.

The result also handed United their first league double over their rivals since the 2015–16 season and added weight to Michael Carrick’s bid to be named permanent head coach.

Carrick has now recorded victories over all five of England’s so-called “Super League” clubs — Liverpool, Manchester City, Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea.

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