Manchester United secured their place in next season's Champions League with a dramatic 3-2 triumph over Liverpool at Old Trafford on Sunday.
Kobbie Mainoo proved the hero, netting the decisive goal in a pulsating encounter between English football's two most decorated clubs.
The young midfielder's strike came just 72 hours after he committed his future to United by penning a fresh five-year deal.
It marks a remarkable turnaround for Mainoo, who failed to start a single Premier League fixture under previous manager Ruben Amorim this campaign.
United's victory ends their two-year exile from Europe's premier club competition.
The hosts established a commanding advantage before the interval through strikes from Matheus Cunha and Benjamin Sesko.
Liverpool appeared destined for defeat at the break, trailing by two goals with little to show for their efforts.
Manchester United survived a dramatic Liverpool comeback to win 3-2 at Old Trafford on Sunday and qualify for next season's Champions League
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Yet the visitors transformed the contest within minutes of the restart.
Dominik Szoboszlai pulled one back after United's defence was caught out, before Cody Gakpo drew the sides level.
Both Liverpool goals stemmed from mistakes at the back, allowing the Merseyside club to capitalise and wipe out United's cushion entirely.
Manchester United raced into a 2-0 lead over Liverpool with Matheus Cunha and Benjamin Sesko scoring
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Liverpool were down and out at half time but came roaring back after the interval against Manchester United
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The momentum had swung dramatically in the visitors' favour heading into the final stages.
Yet the chaotic closing period proved decisive as Liverpool's defence failed to deal with Luke Shaw's delivery from the flank.
The ball dropped invitingly for Mainoo on the periphery of the penalty area, and he made no mistake with a powerful first-time shot that nestled in the bottom corner.
This success handed United bragging rights in the fixture, securing their first league double over their fierce rivals since the 2015-16 season.
Liverpool's defeat means they must still accumulate four points from their remaining matches to guarantee their own Champions League qualification.
Kobbie Mainoo produced the goods late on to fire Manchester United to victory over Liverpool
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Michael Carrick's credentials for the permanent managerial position received a significant boost with this result.
Carrick has now recorded victories against every member of England's elite, having defeated Liverpool, Manchester City, Arsenal, Tottenham and Chelsea during his spell in charge.
The afternoon was overshadowed somewhat by concerning news regarding Sir Alex Ferguson, who was absent from the match after being transported from the stadium by ambulance as a precautionary measure following reports he felt unwell.
United still have to face Sunderland, Nottingham Forest and Brighton before the campaign ends.
Liverpool's three remaining fixtures are against Chelsea, Aston Villa and Brentford.