Sunday’s edition of the famous rivalry felt like the least important in years, except for the uncertain futures of both managers
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t’s been a long time since a Manchester United v Liverpool game felt of less consequence. These are the two most successful sides in English league history, hailing from neighbouring cities and they have a rivalry that stretches back well over a century. Yet it felt perhaps only the seventh-most significant fixture of the weekend, behind the games involving the two title contenders, Arsenal and Manchester City, and the four sides still scrapping to avoid joining Wolves and Burnley in being relegated this season – Leeds, Nottingham Forest, West Ham and Tottenham.
United’s 3-2 win sealed their place in next season’s Champions League while, barring very odd swings of goal difference, Liverpool need just three points from their remaining three games to be certain of their own qualification. For both, the biggest issue now is deciding who manages them next season – and this was a ragged enough game to cast doubts over the suitability of Michael Carrick and Arne Slot for their respective sides.
All the indications from Anfield are that they will stick with Slot, although when United went 2-0 up inside 14 minutes there was a thought that this could be a defeat of such magnitude that it might make his position untenable. Nobody could pretend Liverpool have been good this season – they have lost 11 Premier League games, and were utterly outplayed by Paris Saint-Germain in the away leg of their Champions League quarter-final defeat – but there are explanations.
