Liverpool boss Arne Slot has singled out a Manchester United star who caused his side serious problems during Sunday's heavyweight clash at Old Trafford—and it's not the man who scored the winner.
While Kobbie Mainoo's 77th-minute strike sealed a dramatic 3-2 victory and confirmed United's place in next season's Champions League, it was the performance of Bruno Fernandes that truly caught Slot's attention. The Portuguese playmaker was at the heart of everything United did well, particularly in transition, and the Liverpool boss admitted his team simply had no answer.
"We weren't able to control their strengths," Slot admitted. "We were aware of them—set-pieces and counter-attack. You have to know where to lose the ball if you play against United. They are really strong when they play into the middle."
The match was a rollercoaster from start to finish. United flew out of the traps, with Matheus Cunha breaking the deadlock inside just six minutes with a stunning strike from the edge of the box. Benjamin Sesko then doubled the lead after a scramble in the box, bundling home from close range for his 11th Premier League goal of the campaign.
Just when it seemed United were cruising to a comfortable win, the game turned on its head. Amad's costly mistake allowed Dominik Szoboszlai to pull one back, and then a sloppy pass from Senne Lammens gifted Cody Gakpo an equalizer from close range. Liverpool were back in it.
But Mainoo had other ideas. The young star sprinted onto a clearance and fired home to complete a memorable individual performance and break Liverpool hearts once again.
Slot was particularly frustrated with how his side let the lead slip. "That is what happens. We were 2-0 down, came back in the second-half to 2-2 and then we shut off and immediately conceded the goal. I don't think anyone expected us to lose that game after a 2-2."
For United fans, this was a statement victory—one that showcased their ability to hurt even the best sides on the break. And for neutral observers, it was yet another reminder that Fernandes, even without a goal or assist, remains one of the most dangerous players in the league when given space to operate.