After a poor first half, Liverpool pulled a pair of goals back early in the second half, but  Manchester United scored the game-winner in the 77th minute to cap off another classic game by the two rivals. 

• Woodman (6/10) Solid performance, but could have done better playing that second goal 
• Robertson  (610) Solid but not spectacular
• Szoboszlai (8/10) A goal and an assist to help the Reds level the contest 
• Jones (6/10) Like many players, his rating was boosted by a strong second half
• Van Dijk (6/10) Would have been higher if not for a few late fouls
• Konate (7/10) Good when called upon
• Gakpo (7/10)  Much better in the 2nd half in a centre forward role. Calm finish when gifted a chance to tie the game
• Wirtz (5/10) One of the few chances in the first half, quiet in the second
• Frimpong (5/10) Poor first half. Evened things out in the second 
• Gravenberch (?/10) Quiet day on the pitch
• Mac Allister (5/10) Unlucky day as two of United's goals deflected off of him.

The Substitutes

• Kerkez (6/10) Tracked back really well to stop a chance
• Ngumoha (6/10) Showed his talent, but also was inexperienced when he missed a wide open Szoboszlai
• Cheisa (5/10) Late sub. No impact

Man of the Match

• Szoboszlai

The Manager

• Arne Slot (7/10)  Slid Gakpo more forward in the second half, which paid huge dividends. Still should have played Ngumoha a bit more

LFC Globe Verdict

Liverpool showed much The Reds showed better fight in the second half, which was good to see. I just wish that fire had been there for the entire 90 minutes. All too often in the first half, they had possession without purpose.

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The legendary Manchester United head coach was set to attend the game at Old Trafford, but he left before kick-off after a reported health scare, with an update given on his condition

17:27, 03 May 2026

Sir Alex Ferguson was taken to hospital(Image: Getty Images)

Manchester United is said to be optimistic that Sir Alex Ferguson's health scare is not serious, with him returning home in a few days.

It comes after he was taken to the hospital while at Old Trafford ahead of the club's game with Liverpool on Sunday. The legendary United boss has undergone a number of procedures and health issues in recent years, including a brain hemorrhage in 2018.

The 84-year-old is recognized as the greatest manager in Premier League history. United has reportedly told numerous sources that his health issue was more precautionary than an emergency situation, after he was taken away in an ambulance.

READ MORE: Gary Neville lays into Liverpool 'mess' as 'anxious' Arne Slot players crumbleREAD MORE: Liverpool in new VAR scandal as Premier League explains Benjamin Sesko goal

Speaking on Sky Sports, reporter David Jones said: "One note of slight concern, concerning the great Sir Alex Ferguson, who's not actually been here (at Old Trafford) during the first half.

"He did attend the game earlier but was taken to hospital by ambulance, where he's having a close eye kept on him. We wish him the very best."

Ferguson is a regular at United games while still being involved with the club, with a number of his former players having spells managing the team, including current interim boss Michael Carrick.

His situation is not believed to be an emergency(Image: Getty Images)

Ferguson is somewhat close with former Liverpool head coach Jurgen Klopp — even congratulating him after winning the Premier League trophy in 2020.

Liverpool went two goals down at half-time after a controversial Benjamin Sesko goal was allowed to stand despite what looked to be a handball.

The striker had the ball in the back of the net after Bruno Fernandes nodded a cross back across the goal as Freddie Woodman only managed to deflect the ball onto Sesko's thigh.

Replays appeared to show that the ball did come off Sesko's hand, before it was ruled a goal

A post from the Premier League read: "The referee's call of goal was checked and confirmed by VAR – with it deemed there was no conclusive evidence that Sesko handled the ball before scoring."

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Liverpool found a way back into the game in the second half, with Dominik Szoboszlai and Cody Gakpo scoring to level the game.

Yet Kobbie Mainoo found a winner for United.

The Reds look to have already secured Champions League soccer, barring a capitulation against Chelsea, which is currently chasing them for one of the final spots.

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Liverpool came from two goals down against Manchester United with Dominik Szoboszlai and Cody Gakpo canceling out Matheus Cunha and Benjamin Sesko strikes. This is what we spotted.

17:26, 03 May 2026Updated 17:36, 03 May 2026

Liverpool head coach Arne Slot.(Image: Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images)

OLD TRAFFORD, MANCHESTER // Liverpool fought back from two goals down against Manchester United, only to lose to a Kobbie Mainoo strike after a game of two halves.

Within 15 minutes, Manchester United had sailed into a two-goal lead thanks to goals from Matheus Cunha and Benjamin Sesko, the latter potentially controversial thanks to a possible handball offense. In reality, though, Liverpool was very much second best.

Adam Diallo gifted the ball to Dominik Szoboszlai early in the second half and he cut the deficit to one before Senne Lammens helped with Cody Gakpo's effort and the Reds' second. Here are the five things Liverpool.com spotted as the game unfolded, with Mainoo finding a winner with a low strike.

READ MORE: Man Utd vs Liverpool RECAP: Hosts score late winner as Sir Alex Ferguson rushed to hospitalREAD MORE: Why Man Utd vs Liverpool kick off was moved as Reds eye Champions League boostMichael Carrick vs Arne Slot

This game was more about Michael Carrick and Arne Slot than Manchester United vs Liverpool, Gary Neville said earlier this week. With both teams set to finish somewhere between third and fifth in the table, the argument for that is clear.

For Carrick, this looked set to be the kind of result that would land him the job on a permanent basis until the wobble in the middle. For Slot, more questions will be sent his way after a season that has been filled with disappointing performances.

Yes, Liverpool was injury-ravaged, but it should have been able to battle better than it did in the first half here. Tactically, Slot got it wrong. Then he fixed it. Then Mainoo scored anyway. Make of that what you will.

Manchester United head coach Michael Carrick(Image: Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images)

Liverpool attack blunted

Alexander Isak was missing due to a minor injury, while Hugo Ekitike has a much more severe one that will keep him out for months, and there was no last trip to Old Trafford for Mohamed Salah. That's three huge attacking players that Slot was unable to call on.

Liverpool offered next to nothing in the final third for 45 minutes and was usually either too slow to get the ball into promising positions, or unable to get the accuracy right with its passing to bring in upfield.

Jeremie Frimpong really struggled down the right flank and while Cody Gakpo and Florian Wirtz had moments of quality, they were unable to sustain much. Dominik Szoboszlai, operating as a false nine, was ultimately neither a forward nor a midfielder.

That changed in the second half with the tactical tweak. It must also be noted, though, that it was in part down to Manchester United errors proving costly. Liverpool fought back, but only with some help.

Dominik Szoboszlai celebrates scoring for Liverpool against Man Utd.(Image: Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

Freddie Woodman does well

Freddie Woodman played very well against Crystal Palace. He made some excellent saves and looked set to keep a clean sheet until Daniel Munoz clipped the ball over him while he was lying on the floor with an injury.

This, though, was a completely different test for the 29-year-old, who arrived from Preston North End last summer to play a back-up role. Within a quarter of the action, he had picked two goals out of his net, though he recovered from those setbacks very well.

Alisson Becker may well be back by the time the Reds take on Chelsea — there was a chance he could have been here — and if so, Woodman will have quite the trio of appearances, Everton, Anfield, and Old Trafford. In a way, this ended up being one to remember, though not for positive reasons from a Liverpool perspective.

Curtis Jones experiment

Curtis Jones has played right-back a few times of late, and Slot said on Friday that the Scouser is getting better game by game. Undoubtedly, that is true.

It is correct to such an extent that Jones might see a route to more regular game time in that role, should he be prepared to accept it. That might be his likeliest avenue to being in the team as often as he has been of late.

Here, he struggled to cope with Matheus Cunha to begin with — a possibility for anyone, let alone a makeshift right-back — and was unable to get a grip of the build-up play in the same way that he can at his best.

He improved after the interval but it kind of summed up the square pegs in round holes problem. Cunha had also moved elsewhere by that point. That, surely, was a Carrick mistake.

Tale of two flawed teams

For months, Liverpool — and to a lesser extent Manchester United — has been sweating on whether it would be playing Champions League soccer next term. Even before this match kicked off, we had the answer: both will be.

Bournemouth went in front early on against Crystal Palace and that game was very quickly only going one way, meaning that mathematically, there might be a tiny bit more work to be completed. It is very close to being a done deal for the pair, however.

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While Manchester United and Liverpool are heading back into UEFA's top competition, who is best placed to kick on and challenge for the Premier League title? On the evidence of the first half, there is only one reasonable answer. The second showed the reality: both of these teams remain very flawed.

Things should improve for Liverpool when the summer comes. Time on the training field will help, as will dipping into the transfer market once again. Manchester United winning, though, is never going to go down well.

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Liverpool player ratings, winners and losers vs Manchester United as Dominik Szoboszlai and Cody Gakpo scored but Kobbie Mainoo was the match-winner at Old Trafford

17:26, 03 May 2026Updated 17:33, 03 May 2026

Dominik Szoboszlai celebrates scoring for Liverpool against Man Utd.(Image: Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

OLD TRAFFORD, MANCHESTER // When it looked like the tide had turned, Kobbie Mainoo had other ideas. Liverpool had done well to come back from two goals down, but there was another hammerblow lying in wait.

Matheus Cunha and Benjamin Sesko had put Manchester United two ahead before the 15-minute mark, with Michael Carrick's men taking charge of the contest early on.

Liverpool was simply unable to offer much of a threat until Amad Diallo gave possession away just after coming on, and Domink Szoboszlai was able to glide forward and finish unchallenged. Soon after, Cody Gakpo leveled.

If it was Manchester United with energy and Liverpool lacksadaisical in the first half, the roles reversed in the second. These are, after all, two flawed teams with plenty to improve. Mainoo's strike from the edge of the area proved the difference.

READ MORE: Man Utd vs Liverpool RECAP: Hosts score late winner as Sir Alex Ferguson rushed to hospitalREAD MORE: Why Man Utd vs Liverpool kick off was moved as Reds eye Champions League boostWinners

If this was a chance to lay down a marker ahead of next season in a clash between two sides set to qualify for the Champions League, it was quite clearly Manchester United that took that opportunity in the first half.

Liverpool, lacking options and depth in attack, was unable to really stamp its authority on the game until the second, going behind early and struggling to gain any kind of attacking momentum from there.

Szoboszlai and Gakpo were central to the change, but it was tactical as much as anything. Arne Slot got it wrong to start with and then corrected himself. It wasn't quite enough.

Losers

Andy Robertson would have been hoping for a fairytale ending to his battles with Manchester United as a Liverpool player, while Mohamed Salah wasn't even fit enough to come off the bench.

Across the board, the Reds players didn't fight hard enough to begin with and were physically no match for their counterparts. That changed after half-time but Robertson wasn't on the pitch for long. In the end, the Reds didn't have enough.

Player ratings

Freddie Woodman (6). This was the biggest stage that he has performed on in his career so far and things quickly unraveled. He wasn't able to stop Manchester United taking a quick 2-0 lead. After that, did well to keep his cool and showcase some solid distribution.

Curtis Jones (6). Playing at right-back once again, it is a role that he has become used to of late. He wasn't as effective in the build-up here, though, and was unable to do much to help out defensively in the opening stages. Better in the second half than the first, like the team.

Ibrahima Konate (6). Battled well with Benjamin Sesko at times but the whole of the Liverpool team lacked the ability to win their duels. The Frenchman was far from the only one. Fine, but nothing more.

Virgil van Dijk (6). An experienced head at the back, he was visibly frustrated by a lack of movement in front of him at times. He did what he could in the first half, with plenty of Manchester United runners having loads of space to exploit in front of him. Got his wish for more aggression in the second period.

Andy Robertson (5). In ahead of Milos Kerkez, with the Hungary international having been managing an injury this week, he struggled to make much of an impact going forward and was beaten too easily a few times by Bryan Mbeumo. The first Liverpool player to come off.

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Jeremie Frimpong (5). He may not have played had Alexander Isak been fit enough to be involved and was bundled off it too easily at times. His speed is useful, but Cunha did well to track back and he had two or three defenders around him almost at all times.

Ryan Gravenberch (5). In possession, he was decent enough. Out of it, the Liverpool midfield duo simply had too much to do as a two. They were outnumbered and not as physically strong. That changed in the second half with the tactical alteration, but he was still far from perfect.

Alexis Mac Allister (6). An experienced performer in this fixture, like Gravenberch, he did well to put his foot on the ball at times, but simply couldn't do the running that he was being asked to do because of the system. When that changed, the game did.

Cody Gakpo (6). When he was on the left, rather than through the middle, he drifted inside but got crowded out. Lots of the ball aimed into his path seemed to be in the air for him to head on. As the number nine, it just made loads more sense and it didn't take him long to get on the scoresheet.

Dominik Szoboszlai (7). Offering plenty of energy in the middle, the false nine experiment didn't really work. He wasn't a midfielder and he wasn't a forward, ending up not really doing much at all in the first half. He took his goal well early in the second and looked a different player with Gakpo ahead of him.

Florian Wirtz (6). He will need to step up in games like these next season. Without Alexander Isak, Hugo Ekitike and Mohamed Salah, there was a mitigation for the attacking troubles here, but that won't be the case forever. He was fine in the first half and stepped it up in the second when the team as a whole did.

Article continues belowSubstitutes

Milos Kerkez (6). On to add some more energy down the left in the second half, the 22-year-old did well to get up to speed quickly. Defensively fine; unable to do much going forward to add to the attack.

Rio Ngumoha (6). Smashed a shot wide when Szoboszlai was in a good position, which did not go down well with the Hungarian.

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Manchester United controlled the match early and scored in the sixth minute as Matheus Cunha scored a deflected goal off the back of Alexis Mac Allister. Things went from bad to worse as  Benjamin Sesko scored in the 14th minute.

Cody Gakpo finally had a decent look at goal in the 24th minute, but he put it wide. Wirtz had a similar chance near the half-hour mark, but it again went wide. Liverpool could not manufacture meaningful chances the rest of the half, trailing 2-0.

Score: 2-0

• Possession:   MU 37  LIV 63
• Shots: 6-2
• Key Battle: Mac Allister vs. Ferenandez

LFC Globe Verdict

Liverpool are not out of this game yet, but Slot needs to replace Frimpong with Ngumoha at halftime to boost creativity on the right side.

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Photo by Sebastian Frej/MB Media/Getty Images

A loss Thursday would be a devasting blow in an already frustrating 2024/25.

As is the case for any (sobs) 14th-place team, Tottenham Hotspur's season hinges on competitions outside the Premier League. A bye into the Europa League Round of 16 keeps that avenue open, and the FA Cup remains a possibility as well, but the most immediate and realistic path to silverware is the League Cup. Yes, the road is brutal, with a trip to Anfield before a final against Newcastle, but only 180 minutes separate Spurs from ending their long-standing trophy drought.

That makes Thursday the biggest match of the season so far. Tottenham impressed in the semifinal's first leg, grinding out a 1-0 win despite ceding possession, absorbing pressure, and deploying a makeshift backline. Now, the battle shifts to Liverpool, where the country's best team will be confident in its ability to overcome a one-goal deficit. Spurs enter as clear underdogs but must find a way to advance.

Semifinals (2nd Leg): Liverpool (0) vs. Tottenham Hotspur (1)

Date: Thursday, February 6
Time: 3:00 pm ET, 8:00 pm UK
Location: Anfield Stadium, Liverpool
TV: Paramount+ (USA), Sky Sports Main Event (UK)

Since the first leg, Liverpool has gone 5-1-1, with the lone defeat coming in a meaningless Champions League contest with a rotated lineup. With a Premier League title in sight and a strong European campaign underway, one might assume this competition sits lower on the priority list. Unfortunately for Spurs, there are no significant matches on Liverpool's immediate horizon, meaning Arne Slot is likely to field a strong XI at Anfield.

Both teams were relatively cautious in North London, though for different reasons. Tottenham's approach was shaped by a defense missing three of its four preferred starters, alongside a newly introduced Antonin Kinsky. Ange Postecoglou now has the opportunity of choosing from options like Kevin Danso and Mathys Tel, though plenty of important names like Micky van de Ven remain injured.

For Liverpool, the decision to play pragmatically was likely strategic — returning home with just a one-goal deficit seemed an acceptable trade-off. Having made that decision, Slot's side will now bring intensity reminiscent of December's league fixture. Players like Luis Diaz, Trent Alexander-Arnold, and Dominik Szoboszlai were all absent from the first leg's starting lineup, but may be called upon Thursday with the objective more clear.

A few moments of greatness

Tottenham will not see much of the ball at Anfield. Liverpool will dominate possession, generate the bulk of the chances, and apply relentless pressure in Spurs' defensive third. That is a daunting prospect for cobbled-together squad; the number one priority is minimizing mistakes, especially with a lead to protect.

That said, Spurs must be willing to attack when opportunities arise and will not need much possession to be dangerous. Both Dominic Solanke's narrowly disallowed goal and Lucas Bergvall's successful strike in the first leg came via direct play over the top. Exploiting Liverpool's high press with quick, vertical attacks could be Tottenham's best path to maintaining the advantage.

If Spurs can capitalize on a pressing opponent and snatch an insurance goal, the tie will come down to their ability to weather the inevitable storm. Recent form does not inspire much confidence in their defensive resilience, but Tottenham has produced surprising performances against top teams this season. Postecoglou will need another one to keep his second-season trophy promise alive.

Liverpool fans will have seen the social media stories circling that both Mo Salah and Virgil van Dijk signing a new contract, something Arne Slot was asked to comment on.

Speaking (via 90min.com), our head coach said: "We have some contractual situations that you don't probably don't know about.

"But Trent, Mo and Virgil haven't extended yet. So we are aware of the fact that we have to be sharp and ready for things that can happen.

"My life is mainly short term but we have so many quality people at this club that look at the longer term as well.

"You always have to be prepared for all the new things coming up.

"The players that don't play a big part at the moment; will they be able to do this another year? Will they fight for their place or will they [want to] go somewhere else?

"So we have to be prepared for the next window and what we can do."

The Dutchman doesn't really like to provide a direct answer on these topics, as it's not something he's directly involved in and prefers to allow time to pass.

However, confirmation that contracts have not been signed is a clear indication of the current situation and does debunk Robbie Fowler's theory.

Salah, Van Dijk and Trent have not yet signed a new contract Pictures via @MoSalah on X

John Barnes has stated that if he were in charge of the new deals, he would select our captain as the most important of the trio.

Many fans have their own opinions as to who they would or wouldn't allow to leave the club but it does feel that the overwhelming majority want all three to commit their future to staying on Merseyside.

You would assume the club can afford to do this but whether the financial model allows it is another question.

It's the same situation we've been in all campaign but we can take from this that no deals have yet been signed and it doesn't feel like we're close to them being done either.

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Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold are all out of contract in the summer, with Liverpool at risk of losing all three of their stars for nothing

Liverpool are set to face Tottenham Hotspur at Anfield in the Carabao Cup semi-final second leg tonight.

The Reds lost the away first leg 1-0 controversially courtesy of Lucas Bergvall's late goal but he really should’ve been sent off earlier.

Newcastle United have reached the final by beating Arsenal in the other semi-final so the winner of this tie will take on the Magpies at Wembley on 16th March.

As per team news, Joe Gomez and Diogo Jota have returned to full fitness after recovering from their injury problems but Trent Alexander-Arnold has sustained an issue since featuring against the Cherries. So, he has been ruled out.

Predicted Liverpool lineup vs Tottenham

Caoimhin Kelleher has been playing in the cup competitions but Alisson Becker started in the previous leg at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and the Brazilian may continue in goal for the hosts tonight.

Jarell Quansah has started all the Carabao Cup matches thus far this season but considering the importance of the fixture tonight, Ibrahima Konate is expected to be called upon to feature alongside Virgil van Dijk in the CB position.

Conor Bradley would replace injured Alexander-Arnold and Kostas Tsimikas might get the nod to start in the left-back position ahead of Andy Robertson.

Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister are likely to continue in the engine room with Dominik Szoboszlai in the CAM role. Therefore, Wataru Endo and Curtis Jones could be among the substitutes.

Cody Gakpo has also played all the League Cup games and should continue in his preferred left-wing position, while Mohamed Salah would be on the opposite side.

Luis Diaz may start again in the CF role, therefore, Darwin Nunez and Jota could feature off the bench if needed. Here is how Liverpool could line up vs Tottenham:

The post 4-2-3-1: How Liverpool could line up against Tottenham – Carabao Cup appeared first on Paisley Gates.

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