Liverpool suffered a disappointing 3-2 defeat to Manchester United at Old Trafford on May 4, 2026, extending their difficult 2025/26 Premier League campaign. Manager Arne Slot expressed strong frustration with a VAR decision that allowed Benjamin Sesko’s early goal to stand, but he also urged his team to address recurring defensive mistakes that continue to undermine their performances.
The result leaves Liverpool facing an uphill battle to secure a top-four finish, while Michael Carrick’s Manchester United celebrated a vital victory that confirmed their return to the Champions League for next season.
Slot’s Strong Criticism of VAR Decision
The pivotal moment came in the 14th minute when Benjamin Sesko put United 2-0 ahead. The goal was reviewed for a potential handball, but referee Darren England’s decision to allow it was upheld by VAR Stuart Attwell.
Slot was visibly furious in his post-match press conference. “If it was a touch, which I think it is, in a ball sport it has a certain curve and it changes — it must be a contact,” he said, banging his fist on the table. “Then we should have a debate if that is enough to disallow a goal.”
The Dutch coach suggested a pattern this season where VAR interventions often go against Liverpool. He referenced a previous incident against Paris Saint-Germain where a soft touch on Alexis Mac Allister led to a penalty being overturned, only for PSG to benefit from a similar decision the following week.
Despite his anger over the VAR call, Slot was quick to emphasise personal responsibility. “The second goal, we did not concede because of the handball. We lost it because we lost the ball in a stupid position,” he noted. “We have to first look at ourselves. This is a complete pattern over the season but there is also a pattern that we concede ridiculous goals.”
Former England striker Alan Shearer agreed the goal should have been disallowed, telling BBC Match of the Day that while he dislikes seeing goals ruled out for minimal contact, the laws should be applied consistently.
Liverpool’s Struggles in a Disappointing Title Defence
Liverpool’s loss marked their 11th Premier League defeat of the season and their 18th across all competitions — the highest tally since Rafael Benítez’s final campaign in 2009/10. The team that won the title last season now sits well off the pace, with Manchester United completing a league double over them for the first time since 2015/16.
A constant “champions” chant from the away supporters served as both a reminder of past glory and a stark contrast to the current campaign. Despite the result, Liverpool remain six points clear of sixth-placed Bournemouth with three games left. Qualification for the Champions League still appears likely, but performances have lacked the consistency expected from a defending champion.
Injuries have significantly hampered Slot’s plans. Record signing Alexander Isak was absent, Mohamed Salah watched from the directors’ box, and the team relied on third- and fourth-choice goalkeepers Freddie Woodman and Armin Pecsi. These absences exposed squad depth issues that have plagued the Reds throughout the season.
Manchester United Capitalise on Liverpool Errors
Michael Carrick’s Manchester United showed renewed vigour and clinical finishing. After going 2-0 up, they allowed Liverpool back into the match at 2-2, only for Kobbie Mainoo to score the winner in the 77th minute following another Liverpool defensive lapse. Mac Allister will feel he should have cleared the danger before Mainoo’s decisive strike.
The victory moves United into a strong position for Champions League qualification and highlights their improvement under Carrick. It also represents a significant turnaround from finishing 42 points behind Liverpool last season.
Looking Ahead: A Summer of Change at Liverpool
Slot has openly described the upcoming summer as the start of a “new cycle.” While he remains focused on securing Champions League football — “I am completely aware that we need three points,” he said — there is a clear recognition that structural changes are necessary.
The team has shown moments of quality but has repeatedly been undone by individual errors and defensive fragility. Addressing these “ridiculous goals” will be a priority alongside strengthening the squad and managing the injury list more effectively.
For fans and analysts, the contrast with last season’s title-winning campaign is evident. Liverpool’s current struggles demonstrate how quickly momentum can shift in the Premier League, even for established powerhouses. The club’s ability to rebuild effectively this summer will determine whether they can challenge for major honours again in 2026/27.
VAR Debate Continues in the Premier League
The incident at Old Trafford adds fuel to the ongoing discussion about VAR consistency. Slot is not the first manager to express concerns this season, and similar frustrations have come from both sides of the divide. Michael Carrick himself recently criticised a red card decision in another match.
Decisions involving handball before goals remain particularly subjective. VAR must determine with certainty whether contact occurred, often relying on multiple angles and slow-motion footage. In this case, Attwell concluded there was insufficient definitive evidence to overturn the on-field decision.
As the 2025/26 season enters its final stages, such moments continue to spark debate. Liverpool must now move past the controversy and focus on delivering strong performances in their remaining fixtures to ensure Champions League football and lay the foundations for a stronger 2026/27 campaign.
While the defeat at Old Trafford was painful, it provides valuable lessons for Slot and his players as they prepare for the summer rebuild. The club’s proud history and passionate support remain strong foundations. With the right adjustments, Liverpool can look forward to a more competitive future.
