Manchester United’s match hero against Liverpool Mainoo speaks on his redemption under Carrick
By Luke Oluoch, May 3, 2026Manchester United sensation Kobbie Mainoo has credited the club’s resurgence to a unified player dressing room and the influential leadership of interim manager Michael Carrick.
Speaking after United’s thrilling 3-2 victory over Liverpool at Old Trafford on Sunday, May 3, 2026, Mainoo reflected on his decisive 77th-minute strike. The goal spared the Red Devils’ blushes after they had surrendered a two-goal first-half lead to be pegged back at 2-2.
The academy graduate, who recently signed a new five-year contract with the club, popped up late to fire the winner into theStretford End.
It was a goal that will likely enter club folklore, as it officially sealed United’s return to Champions League football for next season.
An emotional Mainoo explained that he ran toward the section of the stands where he used to sit as an academy prospect. He also revealed that his family was positioned in that same area of the stadium for the match.
Regarding the details of his progression in the season, Mainoo admitted to having it rough while being sidelined in the early stages of the season, in a fleeting reference to his bit-part role under coach Ruben Amorim.
Not playing
“It was difficult, of course, not playing, but I kept working hard,” Mainoo told Sky Sports.
“Carrick came in and gave confidence not just to me, but to the whole team. We want to fight for him.”
“To turn it around the way we have done is a credit to the players and the manager. We are looking forward and still need to finish the season strong. We just want to keep on winning and winning.”
In addition to a pre-match scare involving Alex Ferguson, who was taken ill before the game’s kickoff, Michael Carrick’s charges shrugged off a scare of sorts to edge the Reds 3-2.
The cliffhanger came after Liverpool equalised twice in the second half to pull level in the clash after United had coasted to a 2-0 cushion.
Kobbie Mainoo grabbed the match-winner in the last quarter to seal a dramatic finish that saw the Red Devils seal their place in the European elite football competition.