Manchester United will play Champions League football next season after a 3-2 win against Liverpool at Old Trafford on Sunday.
Kobbie Mainoo scored the winning goal late in the match to seal victory for United.
The result guarantees the club a return to Europe’s top competition after two years out.
United started strongly and led 2-0 within the first 15 minutes as Matheus Cunha opened the scoring after his shot from the edge of the area took a deflection off Alexis Mac Allister.
Benjamin Sesko added a second shortly after, tapping in from Bruno Fernandes’ header.
Liverpool fought back in the second half when Dominik Szoboszlai pulled one back after intercepting a pass from Amad Diallo and running through to score.
Cody Gakpo then equalised when he finished from close range after Szoboszlai set him up.
Mainoo settled the match with a composed finish from the edge of the box following a poor clearance by Mac Allister.
The win moves third-placed United six points clear of Liverpool and confirms a top-five finish.
Despite the loss, Liverpool still need three points from their final three games to qualify for the Champions League.
Liverpool were without injured forwards Mohamed Salah, Hugo Ekitike, and Alexander Isak for the match at Old Trafford.
Fernandes nearly made it 3-0 in the first half but fired wide from Bryan Mbeumo’s cross.
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Sesko had earlier seen a penalty appeal turned down before scoring United’s second.
Gakpo had a chance before the break but curled his effort wide after Liverpool broke through United’s midfield.
Sesko was substituted at half-time for Amad Diallo when his loose pass led directly to Szoboszlai’s goal.
Goalkeeper Senne Lammens also lost possession before Liverpool’s equaliser.
The result means United have completed a league double over Liverpool for the first time since the 2015-16 season.
Last season Liverpool finished 14 places and 42 points above United.
Michael Carrick has now beaten Arsenal, Manchester City, Chelsea, and Liverpool since taking charge in January.
Securing Champions League football strengthens his case to remain as manager next season.
Mainoo, who signed a new five-year contract this week, was praised for his performance.
He had been overlooked by former manager Ruben Amorim before Carrick’s arrival.
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