Manchester United have secured their place in next season’s UEFA Champions League after a dramatic 3-2 victory over Liverpool at Old Trafford.
The win strengthens United’s hold on third place in the Premier League, putting them six points clear and guaranteeing a top-five finish with three games remaining.
Midfielder Kobbie Mainoo netted the decisive goal, capping a memorable week in which he also signed a new contract with the club. United had earlier taken control of the match through goals from Matheus Cunha and Benjamin Šeško, giving the hosts a 2-0 lead at halftime.
Liverpool mounted a second-half comeback, with strikes from Dominik Szoboszlai and Cody Gakpo bringing the visitors level, but Mainoo’s late effort ensured all three points for the home side.
Under manager Michael Carrick, United needed only a point to confirm qualification, but delivered an emphatic performance to book their return to Europe’s elite competition for the first time under the tournament’s new league-phase format.
Elsewhere, results involving AFC Bournemouth, Crystal Palace, and Newcastle United briefly delayed confirmation, but United ultimately sealed qualification in style.
They join Arsenal and Manchester City among Premier League teams already assured of Champions League football next season, with at least five English clubs set to feature.
United will complete their league campaign with fixtures against Sunderland, Nottingham Forest and Brighton & Hove Albion.
The Champions League league-phase draw is scheduled for 27 August, with matches kicking off on 8 September. The final will be played at the Metropolitano Stadium in Madrid on 5 June.
