- Manchester United led Liverpool 2-0 at half-time
- Rio Ferdinand was impressed with Bruno Fernandes
- Topsy-turvy game
Rio Ferdinand applauded Bruno Fernandes for his display in Manchester United’s 3-2 win over Liverpool today (May 3). Matheus Cunha and Benjamin Sesko gave the Red Devils a two-goal lead in a dominant first half.
It was a first-half of pure terror for Liverpool. Every United pass felt direct, purposeful, and meaningful. If anything, United looked like the reigning champions, whilst the visitors looked no better than a side that had finished 15th last season.
Bruno Fernandes commanded the first half and felt unlucky not to claim his 20th assist of the season, after his pass for Sesko’s goal was handled by goalkeeper Freddie Woodman before the Slovenian finished for his 12th of the season.
There were numerous training-ground set-piece moments that nearly resulted in a goal and an assist for Fernandes. But the Merseysiders were helped back into the game after errors from Amad and Senne Lammens, gifted goals to Dominik Szoboszlai and Cody Gakpo.
Kobbie Mainoo scored the winner, drilling home from just inside the box to make it 3-2. It was the perfect way for him to mark his recent contract extension.
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Rio Ferdinand’s comments
Following the drama of the first half, Ferdinand was quick to comment on what was unfolding in the game. He gave a glowing verdict of Fernandes:
“Bruno passing/crossing already been super elite! What a player man.”
He also added, “Sesko aka hand of god! Love to see it,” referring to Sesko possibly grazing the ball with his fingertips for his goal.
Whilst it did go to the video assistant referee, there was no conclusive evidence that Sesko had handled the ball. Regardless, the ball ended up in the net, and United were 2-0 up.
It was a momentous first half for United. Something that would not stay for long.
Errors Galore
With Amad Diallo replacing Sesko at half-time, the Ivorian’s poor form continued as he played an awful, loose ball straight to the feet of Liverpool’s Dominic Szoboszlai, who drove through the United defence before slotting it past Senne Lammens.
Whilst Amad should rightfully take a large portion of the blame, both Casemiro and Kobbie Mainoo were nowhere to be seen, both positioned ahead of Amad on the right side of the pitch.
As the match continued, United lost their shape completely and looked there for the taking.
Just moments later, with no danger whatsoever, keeper Senne Lammens produced a howler of a pass, gifting it straight to the Liverpool attack, who made no mistake in finding the net.
With the nearly 42-year record of leading at half-time at Old Trafford on the line, it looked increasingly likely that Liverpool would finish the match as the more probable winners.
Ferdinand wrote: “Roy Keane wants more – Kobbie gives it to him! Wallop”
But in the 77th minute, a stray ball found Mainoo on the edge of the box, who drove forward and struck cleanly, sending it flying past Woodman and into the back of the net.
It was his first Premier League goal in nearly two years. What followed was an extremely nervous next 18 minutes, where Liverpool, in fact, truly did not have a great chance.
That, of course, did not stop fans hearts beating a million miles a minute.
Despite a poor second-half performance, United have now qualified for the Champions League and look set to take 3rd place after a haphazard performance but a delightful result against the champions.
Read: Manchester United Top Five Greatest Wins Over Liverpool
