Player Ratings: Manchester United 3-2 Liverpool

Photo: Manchester United

Manchester United sealed their return to the UEFA Champions League with a brilliant 3-2 win over Liverpool in an end-to-end clash at Old Trafford on Sunday.

United came out of the blocks firing, looking threatening straight away. Matheus Cunha fired Michael Carrick's side ahead after six minutes, reacted quickly to strike a rebound into the back of the net. Just minutes later, a Bruno Fernandes header landed in Benjamin Sesko's path, and he stroked the ball past Freddie Woodman to double United's lead.

The home side could have extended their lead further in the first half, but the score remained 2-0 at the break.

The start to the second half was a complete contrast, as United were forced into a change with Amad coming on for Sesko, and the Ivorian had a nightmare opening few minutes, squaring the ball to Dominik Szoboszlai, who proceeded to run through the United defence and slot the ball into the net. Just minutes later, Senne Lammens tried to play out from the back, but presented the ball to the Liverpool forwards, and Cody Gakpo scored to equalise.

United were not getting the luck of the draw throughout the game, but Kobbie Mainoo popped up with a fantastic finish late in the half to secure a 3-2 win and all three points. A brilliant way to celebrate his new five-year deal.

Here is how the United players fared at Old Trafford:

Senne Lammens 5

Probably his biggest mistake of the season, presenting the ball to the Liverpool forwards. However, he was rather safe throughout the rest of the game, and made a couple of important saves. Great to see that he picked himself up after the error.

Diogo Dalot 6

A game of two halves for the Portuguese right-back. He was brilliant in the first half, flooding forward with Bryan Mbeumo and Bruno Fernandes as they overloaded down the right. However, he was not sharp enough in the second half, tucking in too much for Szoboszlai's goal, and also wasting some opportunities on goal.

Harry Maguire 6

A rather solid game from Maguire. Looked comfortable throughout the first 45 minutes, and while he probably could have got closer to Szoboszlai, he was good over the rest of the game.

Ayden Heaven 7

A dominant display from the young defender. Made a series of crucial challenges and looked calm and composed whenever he needed to bring the ball out of the defence. Defended very, very well.

Luke Shaw 7

Got the cross towards Fernandes for the second goal, and looked very good whenever he went forward. Kept Jeremie Frimpong very quiet.

Casemiro 6

Slid into a number of challenges, and always seemed to come away with the ball. However, Liverpool were finding some pockets of space around him, and struggled to control the flow of the opposition's attacks in the second half.

Kobbie Mainoo 8

The best player on the pitch. While not at his absolute best defensively, he was fantastic on the ball and in terms of his link-up play with the rest of the team. Calm and composed as he bombarded forward, and it was fitting that he got the winner with a sublime finish, in the week that he signed a new deal.

Bryan Mbeumo 7

Looked much brighter than he has done in previous weeks. He was a constant threat down the right in the first half, and even provided a perfect pass for Fernandes. Made a series of good runs in the second half, but his impact dwindled as he was moved up front.

Bruno Fernandes 7

An all-action display from the United captain. Really unlucky not to get the assist for Sesko's goal, having provided two chances in the space of a few seconds. A number of clean and silky touches, always looking to get the forwards in the game.

Matheus Cunha 6

A lively first half from the Brazilian, capped off with his goal. While he tried to make things happen, most of United's play in the opening 45 minutes came down Mbeumo's side. Did not get in the game enough after the break.

Benjamin Sesko 7

An excellent striker's display from the Slovenian. Sesko constantly occupied Ibrahima Konate and Virgil van Dijk, and they were struggling to handle him. Bundled the ball into the back of the net to get his 11th Premier League goal of the season. Substituted off with a worrying limp.

Substitutes

Amad 4

The Ivorian has looked very low in confidence over recent months, and his start to the half essentially summed it up. Made a very loose and square pass that found Szoboszlai, gifting Liverpool a way back into the game. Got better as the match wore on, but still looks a shadow of his former self.

Patrick Dorgu 6

Made his return to the team after several weeks out, and he offered a good outlet for United, especially when it comes to solidifying the left-hand side.

Joshua Zirkzee 5

Came on late in the game to offer a target man up front and hold the ball up. Did his job well, but barely had an impact.

Leny Yoro 5

Came on for Fernandes to essentially wind the clock down.

Head Coach - Michael Carrick 7

Carrick's time as United head coach could not have gone much better. United came out firing in the match, a complete contrast to the encounter against Leeds United a few weeks ago. Liverpool struggled to handle United's rampant attacks in the first half, but they eventually forced themselves in the game in the second. Carrick's trust in Mainoo was repaid though, as the young midfielder got the win for United. As a result, United have picked up 32 points since Carrick's appointment, the most out of any Premier League side, confirming their place in the Champions League as a result.