Liverpool lost 3-2 to Manchester United at Old Trafford, extending their worst season in over a decade by suffering a 18th defeat in all competitions. The result marked United's first league double over Liverpool since 2015-16, with Kobbie Mainoo scoring the winner in the 77th minute after a failed clearance by Alexis Mac Allister. Down 2-0 early, Liverpool equalised through goals from Dominik Szoboszlai and Mohamed Salah's replacement, but defensive lapses undid their comeback. Manager Arne Slot expressed frustration, particularly over the late loss, saying: "I wouldn't say I'm concerned [about qualifying] but I am completely aware that we need three points and that is why I am so annoyed we did not get them." The Reds played without record signing Alexander Isak and used third-choice goalkeeper Freddie Woodman and fourth-choice Armin Pecsi on the bench due to injuries. Mohamed Salah, absent through injury, watched from the directors' box despite holding the record for most Premier League goals against United. United, who finished 15th and 42 points behind Liverpool last season, are now on course to finish above them for the first time since 2022-23. Liverpool remain six points clear of sixth-placed Bournemouth with three games left, needing only one win to secure Champions League qualification. Slot described the summer as the start of a new cycle, but the team's recurring errors and injury struggles have defined a faltering campaign.
Liverpool's collapse after coming back from 2-0 down shows their resilience is undermined by persistent defensive errors, not just absent stars. Finishing above United was never the benchmark for a club of Liverpool's stature, yet even that is now in doubt. Mohamed Salah's absence was notable, but his record against United doesn't mask the team's broader breakdown in consistency. This season's 18 defeats reflect a campaign defined more by setbacks than solutions.
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