Slot's VAR fury but loss highlights Liverpool issues

It doesn't take much of an eye test to sum it up too. Six points clear of sixth-placed Bournemouth with three games left, Liverpool should secure Champions League football and deserve some credit for that.

But watch this side on a weekly basis and it's clear to see this is a team that is struggling and one that cannot wait for this campaign to finish.

The injuries have been relentless and that was encapsulated with record signing Alexander Isak absent at Old Trafford and third-choice Freddie Woodman and fourth-choice Armin Pecsi as their two goalkeeping options.

Mohamed Salah, also ruled out with injury, watched on from the directors' box and how Liverpool could have done with the Egyptian who has scored more times against United in the Premier League than anyone else.

Despite the absences, Liverpool would have been aware of the task against Carrick's resurgent outfit and had all week to prepare, yet still delivered a woeful first-half performance.

Once again, they went behind first and despite United's best efforts to gift them a way back into the game and drawing level at 2-2, it was another Liverpool error which helped the hosts secure the three points.

Mac Allister will know he should have cleared his lines before Kobbie Mainoo's 77th-minute winner.

Slot spoke earlier in the week about this summer representing the start of new cycle. At the bare minimum, he and his players need to ensure that includes Champions League football.

"I wouldn't say I'm concerned [about qualifying] but I am completely aware that we need three points and that is why I am so annoyed we did not get them," added Slot.

"If you are 2-2 and have come back from 2-0 down, you should at least come out with a draw."

But, deep down, he will know that regardless of Champions League qualification, Liverpool are in for a summer of change.

'A decision that could have gone either way' - analysis

Slot and Carrick have both had reason to complain about VAR decisions recently.

The Liverpool boss has bemoaned a series of calls that went in favour of the opposition, while Carrick called the red card for a hair pull by Lisandro Martinez against Leeds "one of worst decisions I've seen".

This time, the United boss was the beneficiary of a decision which could have gone either way.

Judging whether the ball has touched a player's hand can be one of the trickiest roles of the VAR.

It involves using split-screen angles because depth perception can give the incorrect suggestion the ball has touched the hand or arm on just one camera.

The decision comes down to a VAR assessing the weight of evidence, and asking themselves if they can be sure the ball did touch the hand.

In these situations, who is in the VAR chair can make a difference. Because, while handball before a goal is considered a factual decision, whether you think the ball touched the fingers in a case like this is very much subjective.

Slow motion can help, but there should not be an over-reliance on zooming in. Broadcasters have higher frame rate options with an ultra zoom, which Sky showed a few minutes after play had restarted.

In this case the VAR Attwell felt he did not have the definitive evidence to overturn the goal. He may have believed it was likely, but he could not be absolutely sure.

Match referee England explained this to the two captains before play got under way again.

If you are a Liverpool fan you will absolutely feel that there was proof, of course.