Manchester United edge Liverpool 3-2 in thriller, secure Champions League berth

Manchester United secured their place in next season's Champions League with a thrilling 3-2 victory over Liverpool at Old Trafford. Kobbie Mainoo scored the decisive goal in the final minutes, earning the hosts three crucial points.

United surged to a 2-0 lead inside the opening 15 minutes through goals from Matheus Cunha and Benjamin Sesko. However, Michael Carrick's side allowed Liverpool to level at 2-2 in the second half with strikes from Dominik Szoboszlai and Cody Gakpo, before Mainoo sealed the win.

The victory marks United's return to Europe's elite competition after a two-year absence and strengthens the case for interim manager Michael Carrick, who has overseen an impressive run since taking charge in January.

Kobbie Mainoo, who signed a new five-year contract this week, epitomises United's revival under Carrick. Previously overlooked by Ruben Amorim, the English midfielder produced a composed finish from the edge of the box to secure an emotional win.

The result lifts United to third, six points clear of Liverpool and assured of a top-five finish. Despite suffering their 11th Premier League defeat of the season, Liverpool need just three points from their remaining three matches to also qualify for the Champions League.

Liverpool arrived at Old Trafford without their attacking trio of Mohamed Salah, Hugo Ekitike and Alexander Isak through injury. United capitalised early, taking a two-goal lead.

Cunha had two efforts from the edge of the box before breaking the deadlock. His shot deflected off Alexis Mac Allister, leaving Liverpool's third-choice goalkeeper Freddie Woodman with no chance. Sesko then scored from Bruno Fernandes' pass, having earlier appealed for a penalty.

Bruno Fernandes nearly made it 3-0, curling wide after a Bryan Mbeumo cross. However, warnings signs appeared before the break when Gakpo hit the side-netting.

The second half saw Liverpool's resurgence. Sesko was replaced by Amad Diallo, but the Ivorian almost gifted Liverpool a chance. Szoboszlai robbed Amad of the ball, surged forward and slotted into the far corner to reduce the deficit.

United then shot themselves in the foot when goalkeeper Senne Lammens misplayed a pass, allowing Mac Allister to set up Szoboszlai, who teed up Gakpo to level at 2-2. Both sides pushed for a winner.

United eventually got what they needed when Mac Allister miskicked a clearance, allowing Mainoo to race through and drill into the far corner. It is the first time United have completed a league double over Liverpool since the 2015-16 season.

Last season, Liverpool finished 14 places and 42 points ahead of United, while equalling the record of 20 English titles. But Carrick has beaten Arsenal, Manchester City and Chelsea during his brief tenure, and has now delivered the primary objective of returning United to the Champions League — a compelling argument for his permanent appointment.

Match report: Bournemouth – Crystal Palace

In the earlier match, Bournemouth beat Crystal Palace 3-0 to boost their European hopes. An own goal by Jefferson Lerma, a Junior Kroupi penalty in the 32nd minute, and a strike from Rayan in the 77th minute lifted Bournemouth to sixth. Andoni Iraola's side extended their unbeaten Premier League run to 15 games. Palace now prepare for their Conference League semi-final second leg against Shakhtar Donetsk, leading 3-1 from the first leg.