Manchester United secured Champions League football next season as Kobbie Mainoo's strike earned a thrilling 3-2 victory over old rivals Liverpool on Sunday.

Before the match, legendary former United boss Alex Ferguson was taken to hospital as a precaution after falling ill. Current United boss Michael Carrick, who played under Ferguson, is hoping the result, which secured the club's return to the Champions League next season, will boost his spirits.

The Red Devils raced out the blocks to score twice inside the first 15 minutes. Matheus Cunha's deflected strike from the edge of the box beat third-choice Liverpool goalkeeper Freddie Woodman before Benjamin Sesko bundled in from close range. United could have been even further in front by half-time against an out-of-sorts Liverpool lacking the injured trio of Mohamed Salah, Hugo Ekitike and Alexander Isak.

But the visitors were gifted a route back into the game by United mistakes.

Dominik Szoboszlai pounced on Amad Diallo's wayward pass to run from inside his own half and cut the arrears two minutes into the second half. Szoboszlai then teed up Cody Gakpo to equalise after a stray pass from United goalkeeper Senne Lammens.

In the week he signed a new five-year contract, Mainoo was ultimately the hero when he coolly slotted in from outside the box 13 minutes from time.

Victory and the guarantee of Champions League football after a two-year absence further strengthens Michael Carrick's case to remain in charge of United next season.

"I love doing what I'm doing and it's a great position for me to be in," said Carrick.

Liverpool finished 14 places and 42 points ahead of United last season. Arne Slot's men now trail their old rivals by six points and still have work to do in the final three games to secure a top-five finish themselves. (AFP)



Edited by Cecil Wong