Man Utd 3-2 Liverpool: Five Things Learned As Champions League Confirmed

Manchester United 

Matheus Cunha opened the scoring with a half-volley from the edge of the box in the opening 10 minutes. A deflection of Alexis Mac Allister took it past Freddie Woodman and United surfed to an early lead. 

The advantage was quickly doubled by Benjamin Šeško, who thought he had handed Bruno Fernandes his 20th assist of the campaign, but the captain was not awarded the assist, despite his contribution to the goal. 

Liverpool started the second half much better, with two goals in the opening 10 minutes of the second period. Senne Lammens will be very disappointed with his role in the second goal, after giving the ball away in his own penalty area while trying to play out from the back. 

Kobbie Mainoo returned the lead to the home side with a composed finish from the edge of the box. He placed the ball into the bottom corner, looking like a seasoned veteran. 

Matheus Cunha missed United's 2-1 win against Brentford on Monday evening due to a small injury, but returned to the matchday squad against Liverpool, forcing Amad back to the bench. 

The Brazilian's impact was instantly felt with a goal in the seventh minute, as scrappy as it was. 

Cunha was benched by Michael Carrick when he first replaced Darren Fletcher, with Patrick Dorgu chosen to start on the left flank. However, his injury against Arsenal handed Cunha the opportunity to start, and he has not looked back. 

The former Wolverhampton Wanderers player struggled for form at first, likely as he prefers to play inside rather than on the wing, but he has now adapted to life out wide, proven by his impressive run lately. 

Cunha has scored nine goals and registered two assists - not a bad return for his first season in United red. 

When a player is on a run of good form, they are often handed an expletive as their middle name. Kobbie Mainoo has more than earned that status, even without a brilliant performance on Sunday afternoon. 

Under Rúben Amorim, Mainoo could not find a way into the starting lineup, but with Carrick at the helm, Mainoo has become of the best players in the Premier League, nevermind United. 

Against Liverpool, Mainoo dropped in between the centre-backs to receive possession, before driving forward himself or playing it wide to progress play. Not to mention his excellent finish to make it 3-2. 

His defensive game has improved, too. The England international has begun to place his body between man and ball much more often, while his ground coverage has come on tenfold. Still, he will be disappointed in his role in the second Liverpool goal. 

In recent weeks, Casemiro and Mainoo have shared the defensive role, with one staying deeper and one pushing forward. That was not the case for Liverpool's opener, though. 

Mainoo was on the ball on the right flank, and Casemiro made a run through the half space. Amad gave the ball away and United's midfield was nowhere to be seen. 

United are on the hunt for a new central midfielder this summer, and they must look for a true defensive midfielder, rather than another box-to-box. 

This will allow Mainoo to roam, as he is now, but without the risk of leaving the middle of the pitch exposed on the counter-attack. 

Benjamin Šeško's half-time substitution led to Bryan Mbeumo returning to the centre-forward position, but he was also withdrawn in the 75th minute for Patrick Dorgu. Matheus Cunha then led the line. 

Joshua Zirkzee came on with just under five minutes to play, but his little minutes highlights the lack of faith Carrick has in him. 

If the short-term head coach is to stay at Old Trafford, Zirkzee should leave. 

This leaves United needing another centre-forward, who can push Šeško for a starting spot. Perhaps an experienced striker, who could help develop the Slovenian, too. 

Is it Carrick? You know. 

Has he earned himself a shot at the full-time job. He has secured Champions League football for next season. That was the aim. That was the yardstick many people gave him. So, why not? 

His United side play exciting football, the players look happy, and the fans are happy.