Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo celebrated signing a new contract at Old Trafford by inspiring his team to a 3-2 win against bitter rivals Liverpool over the weekend. The Red Devils hosted the Merseyside club at the Theatre of Dreams on Sunday, 3 May, with both teams battling to solidify their pursuit of a top-four finish.
Michael Carrick’s men took a 2-0 lead into the break, thanks to goals from Matheus Cunha and Benjamin Sesko. However, Liverpool fought back through Dominik Szoboszlai and Cody Gakpo to get back into the game early in the second half.
Mainoo had been dictating the tempo of the game from the middle of the park, and he stepped up in the 77th minute to put the ball into the back of the net. The result confirmed United’s participation in next season’s Champions League, and also consolidated their position in third place in the Premier League table with three games remaining.
The English midfielder’s efforts, meanwhile, have now earned him a nomination for a prestigious award.
Mainoo among nominees for prestigious award
The Premier League has announced the nominees for the Premier League Player of the Matchweek award, and Mainoo has been included in the seven-man shortlist. Also in the mix are Nottingham Forest forward Taiwo Awoniyi, who helped secure a 3-1 win over Chelsea, and Everton’s Thierno Barry, who played a key role in the 3-3 draw against Manchester City.
City’s Jeremy Doku also makes the cut, as does Tottenham Hotspur’s Conor Gallagher, who was impressive in the 2-1 win over Aston Villa. Arsenal duo Viktor Gyokere and Bukayo Saka are also in the running for the prestigious award after helping the Gunners pick up a 3-0 win over Fulham.
The nomination marks Mainoo’s impressive turnaround at United. From being ignored by former head coach Ruben Amorim, the English midfielder has now become the centrepiece of caretaker manager Michael Carrick’s team.
Mainoo has started 13 of the English manager’s 14 games in charge, and the only game he missed was the 2-1 defeat to Leeds United when he was unavailable due to injury. The 21 year old signed a new contract until 2031 last week, and this latest accolade further highlights his importance to United.
Kobbie Mainoo Stats: 2025/26 Season
| Competition | Appearances | Starts | Goals | Assists | Yellow Cards | Red Cards | Minutes Played |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Premier League | 25 | 13 | 1 | 2 | 1 | - | 1,384' |
| EFL Cup | 1 | 1 | - | 1 | - | - | 90' |
| FA Cup | 1 | 1 | - | - | 1 | - | 62' |
| Total | 27 | 15 | 1 | 3 | 2 | - | 1,536' |
Source: Transfermarkt.
How many United players have won the Premier League Player of the Matchweek awards?
United players have dominated the Premier League Player of the Matchweek awards this season, winning the award 12 times so far. Bruno Fernandes has been adjudged the winner a total of five times, in Matchweeks 13, 15, 22, 28 and 30.
Harry Maguire was the first Red Devils player to lift the award this season, on Matchweek 8, followed by Bryan Mbeumo, who won it the following week. Patrick Dorgu was adjudged the winner on Matchweek 18, and the Dane also won it on Matchweek 23.
Benjamin Sesko beat the competition in Matchweek 21, while Casemiro was the most recent winner, in Matchweek 34, after his masterclass against Brentford. Mainoo will be hoping to join the group next, with the winner set to be announced on Wednesday, 6 May.
Final Thoughts
Carrick has played a key role in Mainoo’s return to prominence. With the Englishman likely to take charge as United’s permanent manager this summer, one can expect more fireworks from the young midfielder next season.
Kobbie Mainoo is @ManUtd's matchwinner! 🪄
They edge a five-goal thriller over rivals Liverpool at Old Trafford pic.twitter.com/Qni0vXWxZh
— Premier League (@premierleague) May 3, 2026
Featured image by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images
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