Liverpool boosts top-four hopes with a win at Manchester United

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Jurgen Klopp has celebrated his first win at Old Trafford as Liverpool came from behind to beat Manchester United. And extend their chances of becoming Champions League winners.

A thrilling match played after a series of violent protests against United’s ownership outside the United States. United struck out first with Bruno Fernandes‘ first match.

But Liverpool, who had seen one of their buses banned from selecting team members ahead of the game. After a roadblock, they retaliated with Diogo Jota‘s honest effort.

Roberto Firmino, who has scored just one goal since scoring two goals at Crystal Palace in December, then put his team at the top of the table. With a well-rounded double on both sides of the break.

Marcus Rashford pulled United back in the middle of the second half. But Mohamed Salah wrapped up points with a late strike late with his 21st Premier League goal of the season.

That made him equal to Harry Kane in the Golden Boot rankings. And this sentenced Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side to their sixth home defeat this season.

The result now takes Liverpool fifth in the Premier League. Suppose they win at West Brom on Sunday. 

They will close out one or three points in a row in the FA Cup final between Chelsea and Leicester, who still have to play at Stamford Bridge on May 18.

Liverpool shed light on the penalty dispute.

Brendan Rodgers was the in-charge in March 2014, the last time Liverpool beat United in an away game.

Jordan Henderson‘s injury means there has been no one left since that night in the visitors’ squad. And Klopp celebrated his first win at United with a double tap as Salah scored.

Salah may have had a chance to get into the papers too much. Before the game, if referee Anthony Taylor did not meet the stadium guards. 

Liverpool shed light on the penalty dispute. (Source: Goal .com)
Liverpool shed light on the penalty dispute. (Source: Goal .com)

And it reversed his decision to award a fine for Eric Bailly’s beating to Nat Phillips.

Being able to win was required to keep a real chance for the top four. Klopp appeared unpopular with the event. 

The Ivorian defender played the ball first. But the power behind the challenge sent the Liverpool defender flying.

In a game that started with the sound of a police helicopter hovering overhead, Liverpool did not have to wait long to get another chance.

Jota’s finish was fine, but United’s defense stopped Phillips from a corner, allowing him to run. And turn around before his shot hit his Portuguese teammate’s feet.

Trent Alexander-Arnold’s brilliant delivery to the long haul during the first-half suspension invited Firmino’s head to put Liverpool ahead. And as a timely reminder of his ability with England manager Gareth Southgate watching from the train.

United’s struggle without Maguire

This was one of those nights that made you wonder how United managed to secure second place.

Unlike Tuesday’s defeat by Leicester, this could not have got reduced to a weaker side.

The hosts were even instrumental in achieving their goal of opening as Phillips brought home Fernandes’ effort, which may have just entered a remote area.

United struggle without Maguire (Source: Goal .com)
United struggle without Maguire (Source: Goal .com)

Liverpool’s first two goals revealed a long-standing weakness that defended the set pieces. 

A third of them were defensive, as Fred handed the ball to the blind spot on the wing inside his box.

Dean Henderson then fired Alexander-Arnold’s shotgun and fired straight at Firmino, who applied for the first time.

Another unsuccessful Fred patrol started a counter-attack that resulted in Jota shooting in the mail. 

Not surprisingly, Harry Maguire sat on the sidelines suffering from an ankle injury. That threatened to miss out on the Europa League. And the Villarreal finals on May 26 started on the sidelines.

A move that led to Rashford’s goal in the 68th minute showed United’s attacking ability. 

Except for Maguire, they fought hardback at Salah’s pace. And showed up again and finally eliminated any hope of a comeback.

Angry United fans are making their voices heard again.

They were commenting on the pre-match protests by Greater Manchester police that led to the two arrests. 

A party official said the Glazer family was committed to communicating with supporters differently.

Quite simply, most of those followers do not believe the message.

Angry United fans are making their voices heard again. (Source: BBC)
Angry United fans are making their voices heard again. (Source: BBC)

Co-chairman Joel Glazer got expected to address a forum with fans for the first time since the end of the season. 

Before that, United must advance to their final family game of the campaign. Against Fulham on May 18, when there will be 10,000 fans.

It is not possible to get pregnant without the restrictions outside the stadium. 

Large police numbers will be back then, although there is nothing they can do to stop songs against Glazer that seem inevitable.

Sanjib Sah
Sanjib Sah
Sanjib Sah is an engineer and content writer passionate about sports and athletics. With a background in engineering and a love for all things active, Sanjib brings a unique perspective to the world of sports writing. Whether he is covering the latest trends in sports technology or sharing tips on improving your game, Sanjib's words are always rooted in a deep appreciation for players' hard work and dedication everywhere. In his free time, you can find him hitting the courts or hitting the trails, always looking for new ways to challenge himself and improve his skills.

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