United View: Reds secure Champions League football with Liverpool win

Manchester United wrapped up Champions League football for next season, with a 3-2 win over Liverpool at the weekend. 

It’s been a monumental turnaround from last season, but United are soon to be back on the biggest stage, as they should be.

It goes to show how the powers have shifted in the Premier League, because many United fans felt confident going into Sunday’s clash with Liverpool, with the Reds having the chance to do the league double over their greatest rivals for the first time in ten years.

Michael Carrick’s side were rampant in the first half, with goals coming from Matheus Cunha and Benjamin Sesko, and Arne Slot’s side were fortunate to go into half-time only two goals down.

That two-goal lead would soon be wiped out, though, as United gifted Liverpool two goals early in the second half, with their record of not losing a home game when leading at half-time hanging in the balance.

However, just days after signing a long-term contract with the club, Kobbie Mainoo stepped up with a gloriously placed finish to restore the lead, as the Reds secured their 18th win of the campaign. 

They remain third, six points ahead of Liverpool with three games to play.

Mainoo has been a mainstay in the side since Michael Carrick’s arrival, and this was the perfect way to celebrate his commitment to the club. 

It’s hard to believe he looked to be on his way out under Ruben Amorim, but he’s been a reborn player since Carrick stepped in.

United have benefited massively from only having one game a week to play, but with the Champions League added to their schedule, they’ll need to bolster the squad to deal with the increased workload. 

However, the financial boost and allure from the competition will greatly enhance the summer transfer strategy.

Carrick has made a resounding case for himself to remain as full-time manager, with the backing of several senior figures. 

And should he be given the role, it’s expected he will try to shape the team to suit his style.

Since coming in, he’s had to play a robust style of football, which has yielded great results, winning ten of his 14 games in charge. 

If they can replicate that form next season, they wouldn’t be far off a title charge.

He and the hierarchy will know they’ll need to reinvest smartly, prioritising the midfield, which has a high ceiling for improvement despite the resurgence of Mainoo and Casemiro. 

One that can help control games from the outset.

And with only three games remaining, perhaps he may experiment with the side and bring in some academy players to see who may be ready to make the step up for the 26/27 season. 

We’ve already seen positive glimpses from Shea Lacey, but there are several others we may see before the final game against Brighton.

United next take on Sunderland on Saturday, who have dropped off in recent weeks, though they still harbour hopes of qualifying for Europe with a good run. 

For the Reds, the pressure is off, and with the season’s objective complete, it’s interesting to see if there will be a drop off, with players keeping an eye on the upcoming World Cup.

Regardless, the season will end on a high, safe in the knowledge that United will be facing off against Europe’s elite before the end of the year. 

How they cope with that is yet to be seen. For now, the view from Old Trafford is considerably brighter than it has been for some time.