EPL: Man United beat Liverpool to secure Champions League spot

Manchester United secured Champions League football next season as Kobbie Mainoo’s strike earned the Red Devils a 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 Liverpool 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.

Arsenal thrash Fulham at Emirates to go six points clear in Premier League

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.

United’s first league double over Liverpool since the 2015-16 season completes a remarkable turnaround in the two sides’ fortunes from a year ago.

Liverpool finished 14 places and 42 points ahead of their rivals on their way to equalling United’s record of 20 English top-flight titles last season.

Carrick has also beaten Arsenal, Manchester City, and Chelsea in his short reign and now delivered his primary goal with the riches of the Champions League to make his case hard to ignore.