Manchester United 3 – 2 Liverpool – PL Man of the Match

A Lone Bright Light in a Fading Side

In a season filled with confusion, inconsistency, and growing frustration, one figure continues to stand above the rest for Liverpool — Dominik Szoboszlai. At Old Trafford, in yet another defeat that exposed the wider issues within the team, the Hungarian midfielder once again proved he is operating on a different level to those around him.

Without him, this game does not end 3–2.

Without him, this likely becomes a humiliation.

At 2–0 down, with Liverpool drifting and Manchester United in full control, it was Szoboszlai who dragged his side back into relevance. His goal was not just important — it was outrageous. Picking up the ball with intent, driving through a passive midfield, and unleashing a finish that shifted momentum in an instant, it was the kind of individual brilliance that Liverpool has relied on far too often this season.

It changed the game.

More importantly, it gave Liverpool belief — something that has been sorely lacking under Arne Slot.

And when Liverpool found their second goal through Cody Gakpo, it was Szoboszlai again at the heart of it. His assist, composed and intelligent, reflected a player who not only carries technical quality but also understands moments. He dictated the tempo, drove transitions, and demanded more from those around him.

The problem is, too few responded.

No need to train much as per Arne Slot players went on holiday trips. Mo Salah was right. The standards has dropped so much really since the Klopp days. Every one in just in second and third gear.

— Moby (@Mobyhaque1) May 3, 2026

Carrying a Team That Isn’t Coached

There is a growing reality at Liverpool — one that becomes clearer with every passing week. Szoboszlai is not just the team’s best player; he is its lifeline. And that is not sustainable.

Time and again, he is asked to do everything. Press, create, score, lead. He covers ground others do not. He shows urgency that others lack. He imposes himself on games in a way that very few in this squad currently can.

Take him out of this side, and the collapse is far worse.

This is not an exaggeration. Without his goal and assist, Liverpool are not clawing their way back into the match — they are being swept aside. Four or five goals conceded would not have flattered the opposition given how open, disjointed, and poorly structured this team continues to be.

And that brings the focus back to the manager.

Slot’s Liverpool does not look coached. They look improvised. Distances are wrong, pressing is inconsistent, and attacking patterns rely far too heavily on moments rather than method. In that chaos, Szoboszlai thrives purely because of his individual quality — not because of the system around him.

That should concern everyone.

While the Hungarian looks destined to walk away with Liverpool’s Player of the Year award, it comes with an uncomfortable truth. He is excelling despite the structure, not because of it.

And unless that changes, Liverpool will continue to rely on brilliance just to stay competitive — a dangerous way to exist for a club that should be setting standards, not chasing games.