- Michael Carrick given honst take on Liverpool clash
- Makes bold claim about Manchester United vs Liverpool
- Red Devils get injury boost ahead of game
Michael Carrick is relishing a ‘special’ clash with Liverpool as Manchester United receive a major boost with Matheus Cunha’s returning to training for Sunday.
Liverpool travel to face bitter North West rivals Manchester United this Sunday, and the two sides are in need of the three points to all but seal their place in the UEFA Champions League next season.
The Reds will be eyeing revenge this weekend after they were beaten 2-1 at Anfield earlier this season by the Red Devils. Harry Maguire scored a late winner after Cody Gakpo cancelled out Bryan Mbeumo’s early goal in the game.
Arne Slot’s side do not need to dig deep to find the solution, as they had won at Old Trafford in 2024. However, they do not have Luis Díaz, who scored a brace in the game, as he has been sold to Bayern Munich, while Mohamed Salah, who also got on the scoresheet in the 3-0 win, is out due to a hamstring injury.
Michael Carrick on Manchester United vs Liverpool
Michael Carrick spoke to the media ahead of the Liverpool visit and made some bold claims about the fixture. He said the games between the historic rivals are one of his favourites, adding that they are always special matches as the emotions are a big part of it.
“It’s certainly one of my favourite games, yeah, without a doubt. It’s a standout game, there’s big games and big rivalries that we have with other teams. Certainly, this one is right up there and the history and the ups and downs that the past has produced in these types of games, the excitement, the entertainment and the emotion – which is a huge part of it – make it a really special game.”
Carrick went on to state that league positions and form do not matter in such high-profile matches, as players are motivated by the fans. He wants his players to give it their all on the pitch this weekend and said:
“I think it’s just that edge and that competition really. Irrespective of league positions over the years and who’s been on top at certain times or whatever, it’s never really changed the feeling of the game and the emotion of the supporters. It’s about really appreciating what it means to the supporters. We have to do that and it’s just a special game to be part of and obviously to come out on top is one of the best feelings you’ll get.”
The young coach has never faced Liverpool in his managerial career and is set to take on Arne Slot’s side for the very first time.
Manchester United motivated because of league position
Manchester United’s form since the sacking of Ruben Amorim in January has been a big reason why they are sitting above Liverpool in the league table.
The Red Devils have finished with more points than the Reds in just three of the last 10 seasons, and Carrick was quizzed about it in his presser.
The Englishman was quick to heap praise on the players instead of taking credit, saying that they had worked hard on the pitch and that had resulted in points. He added that they cannot get carried away, as the Liverpool clash should be treated as a one-off match and said:
“I think it shows the big improvement as a group really, and getting stronger. To be coming into this game in such a good position, on the back of good results and trying to achieve, moving forward. I’m fully aware of the situation in the league and how close it is between us, but that’s not something we’re really focused on going into this game.”
“I think it’s a one-off game, they’ve got terrific players, they’re a good team and they won the league last year. We obviously respect everything that goes into the game. We’re treating it as that: as a one-off game. The league position is what it is, but Sunday is a whole different ball game.”
Carrick makes bold comment on Liverpool and Manchester United
Manchester United vs Liverpool remains the biggest match in the English top flight despite the two sides being dominated by Manchester City in the last decade. The Cityzens won more Premier League titles than the two biggest sides in the country combined over the last 10 seasons, but Carrick does not think it has affected the game.
The 44-year-old claimed that clubs are bound to have ups and downs, but their standards should remain the same. He believes that it is a key reason why the fans still tune in for the match despite the league positions and form, and said:
“First of all, it’s a real privilege for us all to be involved in it, whatever capacity. I think that’s the beauty of football though, in the end. We all get wound up in different ways about what’s going on week to week, from club to club and the ups and downs but talking about individuals sustaining a career, to sustain a level of performance over a period of time for each football club…”
“I think there’s a way of how you do it as well, what the standards look like and how it means, what are the behaviours and what you stand for as a football club. It’s two incredible football clubs. To be so close together in so many ways, in terms of titles, geography – it’s not far away. To have such an impact over such a period of time is quite special and I think we all appreciate that.”
Manchester United have been handed a timely boost, with Matheus Cunha returning to training this week. He missed the win over Brentford earlier this week with a reported groin issue, but the Brazilian is in line to face Liverpool.
The former Wolves star has a good record against the Reds, despite scoring just once in nine matches. He has lost just once, while winning twice and drawing six times.
As the countdown to Sunday begins, the stage is set for a high-stakes chapter in this historic rivalry. With both clubs battling to cement their Champions League status for next season, the tactical chess match between Arne Slot and the debutant Michael Carrick adds a fresh layer of intrigue to an age-old battle.
Liverpool may be seeking revenge for their Anfield defeat and grappling with the absence of talisman Mohamed Salah, but as Carrick rightly noted, league positions and form often evaporate the moment the whistle blows at Old Trafford.
For the Reds, Sunday is about more than just three points it is about upholding the standards of the club and proving they can thrive in the face of adversity.
In a fixture defined by its unique geography and unparalleled history, one thing is certain: come Sunday, the North West will once again take centre stage in the footballing world.
