Also: Will Matheus Cunha make a return for the home side?
Manchester United head coach Michael Carrick says the club’s meeting with Liverpool on Sunday remains one of the biggest fixtures in English football, despite neither side being in the title race this season.
The rivals face off at Old Trafford with both teams focused on securing qualification for the Champions League. United are a bit further ahead on that front but a victory for Arne Slot’s men would see them leapfrog their traditional rivals.
The last direct title race between these two sides came in 2009, but Carrick insists the fixture remains significant.
“It’s a standout game,” said Carrick. “There are big games and big rivalries we have with other teams but this is right up there. The history, ups and downs, excitement, entertainment and emotion makes it a really special game.”
A win for Liverpool would see them overtake United in third place but a win for the home side would allow them to move them six points clear of the visitors with three matches remaining. United have not finished above Liverpool since the 2022-2023 season under Erik ten Hag.
“It shows the improvements of the group and getting stronger to be coming into this game in such a good position,” Carrick said. “We’re fully aware of the situation in the league and how close it is. It’s a one-off game, they’re a good team, they won the league this year.
“We’re treating it as a one-off game and the league position is what it is.”
United are also monitoring the fitness of Matheus Cunha ahead of the match. The forward missed the recent win over Brentford due to a hip issue but his managers believes he could return in time.
Carrick said: “Matheus has done a little bit of work so we’re hopeful.”
