United Edge Liverpool in VAR-tinged Thriller as Frimpong Endures a Nightmare

Old Trafford under the lights rarely disappoints, and this one was no exception. Manchester United outlasted Liverpool 3-2 in a breathless scrap that had a bit of everything: deflections, VAR drama, defensive calamities and a late dose of composure from a youngster who looks born for the big stage.

The state of play

United kicked off three points ahead of Arne Slot’s visitors in the chase for next season’s Champions League places, and Michael Carrick’s lot now look all but nailed on for the top three after this result. Liverpool, meanwhile, leave with more questions than answers after a disjointed, error-strewn display.

How the goals came

United drew first blood when Matheus Cunha’s effort clipped a defender and wrong-footed the keeper. Then came the flashpoint: Benjamin Sesko doubled the lead shortly after, with VAR allowing it to stand despite images suggesting a handball in the build-up. Cue uproar from the away end.

Arne Slot tried to shake it up after the interval, but the second half exploded for all the wrong reasons. Amad Diallo coughed up possession with a loose pass and Dominik Szoboszlai pounced ruthlessly to halve the deficit. Moments later, a nightmare from Senne Lammens gifted Cody Gakpo the leveller on 55 minutes.

Just when it felt like momentum had swung, Kobbie Mainoo produced the game’s moment of calm with a measured finish to restore United’s advantage with around 13 left. That proved the winner in a contest that rarely paused for breath.

Frimpong’s off-night under the microscope

With Mohamed Salah and Alexander Isak unavailable, Slot’s attacking options were threadbare. He went with Cody Gakpo through the middle, Florian Wirtz on one flank and Jeremie Frimpong on the other. It didn’t click—particularly for Frimpong, who looked miles off it in both directions.

The numbers told a grim tale: eight turnovers, three heavy touches, no tackles, clearances or blocks, just two wins from 10 duels, dribbled past once, two fouls conceded and not a single shot mustered. Subbed on 75 minutes with a 5.9 rating per SofaScore, he made way for Rio Ngumoha—who promptly offered more thrust, nearly sneaking one into the bottom corner late on.

Selection, system and responsibility

This felt like a system fit issue as much as individual form. Frimpong thrives when he’s bombing on from deep with cover behind; here he was marooned and exposed, neither pinning United back nor protecting his full-back. Slot will rightly cop questions for the set-up, but Frimpong will know he has to respond—fast.

Fans make their feelings known

Reds supporters didn’t hold back. Social media was awash with calls to move him on—some wanted him “sold at half-time,” others branded the display “awful” and “a disgrace.” It’s raw and reactionary, as it always is after a defeat to the old enemy, but it shows how unforgiving the scrutiny can be when standards dip in a marquee fixture.

For those weighing up form lines before the next round, our best betting sites guide is a handy pit stop. Key stat: Frimpong lost the ball eight times, won just two of 10 duels and failed to register a shot—while Ngumoha offered far more punch off the bench.

The bigger picture

United’s top-three charge looks close to complete, VAR debate and all. For Liverpool, there’s still time to steady the ship in the Champions League race, but Slot must find a shape that protects his wide men and cuts out the silliness at the back. Frimpong’s had a shocker—no escaping that—but the response is what matters now. Next time out, he needs to turn the volume down on the critics the only way that counts: by grabbing a game by the scruff and making it his.