Goal Confirmed After VAR Review
The goal stands as there is no definitive evidence of handball by Sesko.
VAR is currently reviewing the play. After a sustained period of possession, Manchester United launched a swift attack down the right flank. Fernandes delivered an excellent first-time pass/cross to Sesko, whose close-range shot was well saved by Woodman. Sesko appealed for a penalty but appeared to have lost his balance.
Play continued with a deep cross from the left headed across goal by Fernandes. Woodman dived to palm the ball away but it deflected off Sesko and slowly crossed the line.
Sesko was clearly onside for the goal, although the ball may have brushed his fingers before hitting his chest and entering the net.
GOAL! Manchester United 2-0 Liverpool (Sesko 14)
An offside check is underway, and a penalty review may follow if the goal is disallowed.
Meanwhile, Bournemouth have taken a 3-0 lead against Crystal Palace, which could impact Andoni Iraola’s summer plans.
Early Match Events
At 9 minutes, Cunha, who previously scored decisive goals against Arsenal and Chelsea and assisted in a win over Manchester City, scored a fortunate goal fitting his profile.
At 8 minutes, Gakpo headed wide from Frimpong’s cross, but he was offside.
Mbeumo’s corner was cleared but not fully out by Robertson. Cunha, positioned on the edge of the area, had a right-foot shot blocked by Gravenberch. The rebound fell to Cunha, whose mishit left-foot shot took a significant deflection off Mac Allister and found the far corner.
GOAL! Manchester United 1-0 Liverpool (Cunha 6)
Matheus Cunha, known for performing in big games, has put United ahead.
At 6 minutes, United dominated early play. Dalot found Mbeumo, whose driven cross to the near post was turned behind by Konate.
At 4 minutes, a teasing cross from Mbeumo narrowly missed Sesko, who jumped between Konate and Jones at the far post but appeared to jump too early.
Just before that, Woodman made a nervous clearance straight to Mbeumo.
At 3 minutes, Krishnamoorthy V reflected on United’s surprising position in the top four at matchday 35, highlighting the unpredictability of the league.
At 2 minutes, Liverpool started with Gakpo on the left and Wirtz and Szoboszlai as a pair of false nines, a formation that was effective at the Etihad last season.
Kick-off was taken by Dominik Szoboszlai for Liverpool, who are attacking from right to left. Liverpool have enjoyed recent success at Old Trafford, including a 3-0 win last season and a 5-0 victory in 2021-22.
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Ian Copestake commented on Mo Salah’s remarkable record against United and recalled Fernando Torres’s memorable four goals against them.
He also questioned how Nemanja Vidic’s red cards were measured during Torres’s dominant performances.
Team Lineups
Manchester United (4-2-3-1): Lamments; Dalot, Maguire, Heaven, Shaw; Casemiro, Mainoo; Mbeumo, Fernandes, Cunha; Sesko.
Substitutes: Bayindir, Dorgu, Malacia, Mazraoui, Yoro, Mount, Ugarte, Amad, Zirkzee.
Liverpool (possible 4-2-3-1): Woodman; Jones, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Gravenberch, Mac Allister; Frimpong, Szoboszlai, Wirtz; Gakpo.
Substitutes: Pecsi, Gomez, Kerkez, Chiesa, Nyoni, Morrison, Ngumoha, Ndiaye, Wright.
Michael Carrick’s Pre-Match Comments
"We knew [Cunha’s injury] wasn’t a serious one. As a squad we look strong – we’ve got good options to finish the game as well.
We know this is a massive game, regardless of the league table or anything else, and I’ve been close to it for so long. Being in the away end [at Anfield in 2015-16, the last time Man Utd did the double over Liverpool] was a great experience and it gives you a different perspective, but today’s a new game. If we could win today it’ll be big for us.
We want to attack the game as best we can. We started really well [against Brentford] but then we had to manage the game against a good team. Both teams will want to take the ball today – it’ll be a tight game between two even teams.
[On the chance to beat City, Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool since taking over] It’s not about me. This game’s never been about individuals. I’ve never gone into this game thinking about myself, and I don’t think anyone is in that dressing-room. It’s as big one today for many reasons.
Fan Reactions and Observations
Matt Dony shared, "I shall be watching this match in a pub with no mobile signal, living like it’s 1998. (Except without the curtains haircut and notepad full of bad lyrics.) As I won’t be able to follow the MBM, here are a few emails to cover most eventualities…
"Yes, get in! I never doubted Slot! The early-season Wirtz-scepticism was maddening knee-jerkery! That screamer from 30 yards, he must have a foot like a traction engine!
"Ah well, there’s less shame in losing to this United than Amorim’s rabble. And Fernandes is a quality player who has arguably wasted his best years carrying a sub-standard team.
"A draw feels like a fair result, given their respective positions. And it was a relatively jeopardy-free game, what with Champions League football being almost guaranteed for both.
"Wow, I can’t believe both Manchester clubs have entered voluntary liquidation, and Arsenal have been hit with a 30-point deduction! Did not see any of that coming! Still, we’ll enjoy the title celebrations."
Ian Copestake lamented, "Thanks to the Isak injury, yet again Slot is forced to fight fires rather than just manage. Unless it is in January, I hope one day he will be able to say, ‘same team as last year.’"
Formation and Tactical Notes
Sky Sports suggests Curtis Jones will play right-back for Liverpool with Jeremie Frimpong in midfield, outlining a possible formation.
Virgil van Dijk’s Ghost wrote, "Without looking, how many times have Liverpool let in two or more goals this season? As Richie Benaud would say… Chwenty Choo. An astonishing number of times."
It remains a fantastic game to be part of, especially for the winning side.
Injury Updates and Player Performances
[On Alexander Isak] After the season we’ve had, nobody can be surprised that we have more injuries. It wasn’t much, but unfortunately it was too much for him to be able to play today.
Injuries can never be an excuse not to perform; we all have to prove ourselves today.
I think one win would probably be enough [to secure Champions League football]. Let’s take it game by game.
Two years ago, Jamie Carragher advised Casemiro to "Leave the football before the football leaves you." This season, Casemiro has scored nine goals (second only to Benjamin Sesko), provided two assists, and played 2,417 minutes in 31 starts out of 32 appearances, finishing 13 games including seven of the past nine.
Supporters are urging the 34-year-old to remain at the club, and he continues to be a first-choice midfielder for Brazil ahead of the World Cup.
Casemiro’s response to retirement suggestions has been emphatic, demonstrating strong character, especially given the timing of Carragher’s comments after United’s recent performances.
Eli Junior Kroupi, Bournemouth’s talented teenage forward, has just increased their lead to 2-0 from the penalty spot.
In the earlier match at the Vitality Stadium, Bournemouth lead Crystal Palace 1-0 after 30 minutes due to an own goal by former Bournemouth player Jefferson Lerma. If this result holds, Bournemouth will move into sixth place.
Team Changes and Lineup Details
Fit-again Matheus Cunha replaces Amad Diallo as the only change for United. Liverpool make two enforced changes: Jeremie Frimpong and Ryan Gravenberch come in for the injured Mo Salah and Alexander Isak.
Liverpool field four central midfielders plus Florian Wirtz; their exact formation remains unclear.
Liverpool (possible 4-1-4-1): Woodman; Frimpong, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Gravenberch; Szoboszlai, Mac Allister, Jones, Wirtz; Gakpo.
Despite the stakes being relatively low with both teams nearly assured of Champions League qualification, the rivalry between Manchester United and Liverpool remains the most significant in English football.
As always, the fixture carries its own weight beyond league positions.
Preamble? It’s Manchester United versus Liverpool: that says it all!
