Liverpool manager Arne Slot voiced strong frustrations regarding what he perceived as a "complete pattern" of contentious decisions going against his team this season, following their 3-2 defeat to Manchester United at Old Trafford. The match saw a crucial goal from Benjamin Sesko allowed to stand despite an apparent handball, an incident that Slot believes epitomized his team's struggles with VAR interventions throughout the season.

The defeat, which marked Manchester United's first Premier League double over Liverpool since the 2015-16 season, secured Champions League qualification for the home side. For Liverpool, however, the loss means they still require three points from their remaining fixtures to clinch a top-five spot and secure their own place in Europe's elite competition.

A key moment in the game occurred when Benjamin Sesko put United 2-0 ahead after an opener from Matheus Cunha. Replays suggested the ball brushed off Sesko's hand before entering the net. Despite a lengthy VAR review, the goal was ultimately allowed. Slot elaborated on his concerns, stating, "If it was a touch [by Sesko] which I think it is -- in a ball sport it has a certain curve and it changes -- it must be a contact then we should have a debate is that enough to disallow a goal." He added, "I don't think it is a surprise to anyone this season that if there is a VAR intervention it goes against us. It has been the whole season the same."

Slot provided further examples to underscore his point, recalling a home game against PSG where a penalty for a soft touch on Alexis Mac Allister was overturned by VAR, while a similar situation for PSG the following week resulted in a penalty. He also highlighted an inconsistency in refereeing regarding injuries, noting that play was stopped when a United player was injured off the pitch, yet continued when Liverpool's goalkeeper required treatment on the floor in a previous match.

Despite his criticisms of officiating, Slot was quick to acknowledge his team's own shortcomings. He stressed that the controversial second goal was not the sole reason for the defeat, stating, "The second goal [Sesko] we did not concede because of the handball -- we lost it because we lost the ball in a stupid position, so we have to first look at ourselves." He concluded, "This is a complete pattern over the season, but there is also a pattern we concede ridiculous goals."

Liverpool now faces a challenging run-in, needing three points from their games against Chelsea, Aston Villa, and Brentford – all teams still vying for European qualification themselves – to secure their Champions League berth. Slot expressed his deep annoyance at failing to secure those crucial points at Old Trafford, especially after his team managed to fight back from a two-goal deficit to level the scores in the second half. "I wouldn't say I'm concerned, but I am completely aware we need three points," Slot remarked. "That is why I am so annoyed we did not get them today. If you are 2-2, coming back from 2-0 down, you should at least come out with a draw."