Manchester United secured an important win over Liverpool, earning three points that confirmed their place in next season’s Champions League.

They made a sharp start, going in front within seven minutes through Matheus Cunha. Back after missing the Brentford game, the Brazilian announced his return with a well-taken half-volley from the edge of the box.

United doubled their advantage soon after, with Benjamin Šeško finding the net. Bruno Fernandes directed the ball into his path, but was not credited with the assist, and although there were questions about a possible handball, VAR allowed the goal to stand as there was no clear evidence to disallow it.

Liverpool responded early in the second half, scoring twice in quick succession to level the match. Dominik Szoboszlai and Cody Gakpo both capitalised on defensive mistakes to make it 2-2.

Kobbie Mainoo then delivered the decisive goal late in the game, finishing with just over 10 minutes remaining. United held their ground in the closing stages, absorbing heavy pressure as Liverpool pushed for an equaliser, and saw out a 3-2 victory.

Kobbie Mainoo has thrived alongside Casemiro since being reintroduced to the starting lineup when Carrick took over in January, with the goal against Liverpool being the icing on top of a week where he signed a new long-term contract at his boyhood club.

Speaking to Sky Sports after the game, the 21-year-old insisted that even though they've achieved the club's main aim for the season, they will still give all their efforts for the remaining three fixtures of the season.

"We're just looking forward. We still need to finish the season strongly," the young midfielder said in a strong statement of intent. "This is not enough for us. We just want to keep on winning, winning, winning."

On his goal, he said, "I've not been around the goals too much. But I'm happy to be around it in this game, you know, such a special occasion, and such a special fixture.

"I saw a couple of my family members [in the crowd]. Yeah, it's a blessing to be able to play here, to be able to score here. It's unbelievable.

"And I used to sit there [where his family were], when the Academy used to give us tickets, I used to sit there as well, so now I'm just so blessed to be in this position.

"I used to dream of times like this, so [younger Kobbie] would have been over the moon."

There is no doubt that one of the players who has benefited most since Carrick took over has been Kobbie Mainoo, who, prior to the former United midfielder's appointment, hadn't started a game under Ruben Amorim.

As INEOS' search for a permanent head coach continues, what Mainoo had to say about Carrick strongly indicate that they may already have the right man at the helm, who has picked up ten wins from 14 games, losing just two.

On Carrick's impact on his performances, he said, "He's played a huge part in it [Mainoo's recent performances]." I mean, the confidence he puts in, not just me, but all the players, you know?

"You want to follow him, you want to fight for him, you want to die for him on the pitch, and I feel like that's what we've shown today."