Liverpool Thrashes Manchester United At Old Trafford
Liverpool revived its bid for a top-four finish in the Premier League after a 4-2 thrashing of Manchester United in their rescheduled game at Old Trafford.
The initial match on May 2nd was called off as anti-Glazer protestors invaded Old Trafford, while Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s team were stuck at the team hotel. United fans again protested outside the ground against the Glazer family ahead of kick-off on Thursday night, but there were no repeats of the scenes of earlier this month.
With both teams safely inside the ground, focus could turn to events on the pitch and United took an early lead when Bruno Fernandes’ shot was deflected into his own net by Nat Phillips.
After Liverpool had a penalty decision overturned by VAR, the visitors equalised moments later. After Mohammed Salah’s shot was blocked in the box, the ball fell to Diogo Jota who fired the ball into the net from close range.
Liverpool started to dominate after the goal and completed its turnaround just before the break when Trent Alexander-Arnold’s free-kick picked out Firmino. The Brazilian got in behind Pogba at the far post and headed the ball into the net in the third minute of stoppage time.
After the break, Liverpool extended the lead when Luke Shaw was caught in possession just outside the penalty area. Manchester United goalkeeper Dean Henderson then spilled Alexander-Arnold’s initial shot, before Firmino pounced on the rebound to give the visitors a two-goal advantage.
Alexander-Arnold’s low drive was then well saved by Henderson before United got themselves back into the contest.
Edinson Cavani played in Marcus Rashford and the England forward sent a low shot past the onrushing Alisson and into the bottom right-hand corner to make the scoreline 2-3.
It was Rashford’s 50th goal at Old Trafford.
United had grabbed back the momentum and they were inches away from an equaliser as Phillips cleared Greenwood’s volley off the line. However, as United pushed forward to equalise they left acres of space at the back and Liverpool eventually capitalised.
Salah coolly placed the ball past Henderson after a late counterattack and sealed what could prove to be a vital three points if Liverpool are to qualify for next season’s Champions League.
The win saw Liverpool move four points off fourth with a game in hand, putting the pressure on Chelsea and Leicester in the race to qualify for next season’s Champions League.
