Five lessons learnt from Manchester United’s 3-2 win against Liverpool

Manchester United beat Liverpool 3-2 at Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon, in a game which saw Michael Carrick’s side mathematically secure Champions League qualification for 2026/27.

The Red Devils were the team on top in the first half, and went in at the break with a two-goal lead, before an early Dominic Szoboszlai goal in the second period set up a thrilling encounter.

A Cody Gakpo goal ten minutes later threatened Manchester United’s 42-year record of not losing when going in at half-time with a lead at Old Trafford, but a late, precious Kobbie Mainoo goal led Michael Carrick’s side to a 3-2 win.

The game has taught Manchester United supporters five things, as their side confirmed a spot in next season’s UEFA Champions League.

Bruno Fernandes is going to reach the assist record

Manchester United captain and midfield maestro Bruno Fernandes thought he had equalled Thierry Henry and Kevin De Bruyne’s record for Premier League assists in the first half of the match against Liverpool, but the 31-year-old’s headed cross had taken a decisive touch on its way to Benjamin Sesko.

It means Fernandes remains one assist from equalling the record, and his performance against Liverpool suggested this is a given. Six created chances – the most of any player on the pitch.

Even with Liverpool’s £116m playmaker, Florian Wirtz, at Old Trafford, Fernandes was head and shoulders above the rest in terms of creative output.

He may not have equalled the record against Liverpool, but it’s an achievement that is undoubtedly coming.

Kobbie Mainoo is irreplaceable

The period when Ruben Amorim refused to start Kobbie Mainoo in this Manchester United team just five months ago now looks even more ludicrous.

The 21-year-old was the match-winner against Liverpool in the 77th minute, capping an excellent performance with the world watching on.

Mainoo is the front and centre of United’s successes at the moment, and looks completely irreplaceable – his new five-year contract looks worth its weight in gold.

United are a machine when breaking the lines

When Manchester United break the lines, they look unstoppable going forward.

It happened repeatedly against Liverpool on Sunday afternoon – Michael Carrick’s side played one direct pass through the lines, and they had the run of the pitch to gallop into.

With the ballplayers of Bruno Fernandes, Kobbie Mainoo and Casemiro in their midfield, United are experts at breaking apart their opposite number with a smart passing sequence.

United had just 38% possession against Liverpool – their direct nature was all they needed to hurt Arne Slot’s side.

Senne Lammens is not unbreakable

It was a rare error leading to a goal from Manchester United goalkeeper Senne Lammens against Liverpool, as the Belgian sent a stray pass into midfield, resulting in Cody Gakpo’s equaliser.

The Belgian has been a revelation since joining the Reds from Royal Antwerp on deadline day last summer – but the mistake is a reminder that Lammens is not a world-beater in goal.

Despite this error, the future is bright for the 23-year-old, who will enter his first full season as Manchester United’s number one in 2026/27.

Next season is one to look forward to

It was a result for Manchester United that saw them go six points clear of Liverpool in the Premier League and qualify for the Champions League for the first time in two years.

With Europe’s biggest competition now confirmed to be back under the lights of Old Trafford next season, United fans can now look forward to their long-awaited return.

With a summer set to be filled with the race to sign a midfielder, amongst other positions, ahead, Manchester United’s place in the UCL will give them the ability to go and sign almost any player they want.

Michael Carrick has done an exceptional job in temporary charge. Should he be given the permanent job, he will be looking to heavily improve on this season’s third-place finish.