Liverpool were beaten by Manchester United at Old Trafford despite launching a second-half comeback as Arne Slot’s side still wait to confirm a Champions League spot
Liverpool still face a battle to secure Champions League qualification following a controversial Premier League loss at Manchester United on Sunday afternoon.
A deflected Matheus Cunha strike and a Benjamin Sesko finish – awarded by VAR despite the ball potentially brushing Sesko’s fingernail – gave United command in the opening period and, while goals from Dominik Szoboszlai and Cody Gakpo brought the Reds level after the interval, a late effort from Kobbie Mainoo sealed another setback for the visitors.
The outcome means Arne Slot’s team still require four points from their remaining three fixtures to guarantee a top-five finish mathematically. Here we assess the display of the Liverpool squad.
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Freddie Woodman 6 Had little chance with the opener and was somewhat unfortunate with the second after his stop from Fernandes was turned in by Sesko. Appeared slightly uneasy throughout, however, and powerless to prevent the third.
Curtis Jones 6 Prepared to get stuck in at right-back and advanced when needed. Another solid performance in an unfamiliar role. Booked.
Ibrahima Konate 6 Far from his most assured defensively, with some interventions succeeding more through fortune than skill and lacking strength for the second goal. Like his teammates, significantly improved in the second period. Subbed.
Virgil van Dijk 6 Managed to get his head on some crucial clearances and didn’t hesitate with some of his defending.
Andy Robertson 5 Had a difficult time against Mbeumo and was often left making last-ditch defensive efforts. His set-piece deliveries lacked quality. Substituted.
Ryan Gravenberch 6 Vanished for large parts of the first half and seemed hesitant to shoot until it was too late. Became more involved as Liverpool took control after the break.
Alexis Mac Allister 4 Often overlooked in midfield and slow to decide his passing routes. Improved along with everyone else after the interval and pressed hard for Liverpool’s equaliser, but made a poor clearance for United’s winner.
Jeremie Frimpong 5 Received the ball in good positions a few times in the first half but failed to capitalise. Posed more of a threat after the break, especially after Shaw was booked. Substituted.
Cody Gakpo 6 Operating from the left, he came close with one attempt in the first half and kept United’s defenders on their toes, scoring his goal well. Booked.
Dominik Szoboszlai 7 As one of two false nines, he perhaps tried too hard, leading to little returns in the first half, but greatly improved afterwards with excellent play for the first goal and a quick assist for the second.
Florian Wirtz 5 Had one shot go wide but took a knock on his ankle when starting to make an impact and then disappeared until a an improved second half. Could have done more, though.
Substitutes
Milos Kerkez (for Robertson 59) 6 Solid tackle prevented Mbeumo from breaking through and delivered a respectable brief appearance.
Rio Ngumoha (for Frimpong 75) 6 Ought to have pressed Shaw quicker for the decisive goal but created genuine threats with his movement and came close with one attempt.
Federico Chiesa (for Konate 87) The substitution that rarely proves effective failed to work once more.