Michael Carrick has described the encounters between Manchester United and Liverpool as some of his personal favourites, while Liverpool manager Arne Slot warned that a win would represent a crucial step toward securing a Champions League berth. The two sides are set to face each other at Old Trafford on Super Sunday, with kickoff slated for 3:30 pm, and only three points separate them in the race for the top four. The fixture remains one of the Premier League's most storied rivalries, and Carrick brings a wealth of experience from his own playing days when he regularly featured in these high‑stakes games. "It’s certainly one of my favourite games.
It’s a standout game," the United head coach said during his pre‑match press conference. "There are big games and big rivalries with other clubs, but this one sits right up there." He went on to explain that the match’s allure stems from its rich history, the dramatic swings in form over the decades, and the sheer emotion it generates for both supporters and players.
"The history, the ups and downs that have been produced in these kinds of games, the excitement, the entertainment and the emotion – that’s a huge part of why it feels so special," Carrick added. "The edge and the competition, regardless of where we sit in the table over the years, never changes the feeling of the game or the passion of the fans. Being part of it and coming out on top is the best feeling you can get." Last season’s reverse fixture saw United triumph 2‑1 at Anfield under former manager Rubén Amorim, ending a long spell without winning both league meetings with Liverpool – a feat they hadn’t achieved since the 2015/16 campaign.
Conversely, Liverpool enjoyed a 3‑0 victory at Old Trafford last season before drawing 2‑2 at home. Those results illustrate how finely balanced the rivalry has become, with each side capable of snatching points on the other's turf. Slot, reflecting on the progress United have made since Carrick took charge, noted that the Red Devils have climbed higher than their league position suggested last year.
"When we played them last season, they weren’t in the same league position they are now, and I said their players are better than the table shows," the Liverpool boss said. "A busy transfer window added a lot of quality, and now we’re finally seeing it reflected in the standings." He also praised United’s newfound consistency under Carrick, observing that playing the team once a week has allowed Liverpool to gauge their improvement more accurately. "I’ve seen how good they are each time we meet, and under Michael Carrick they’ve become more consistent in their results," Slot explained.
Both managers recognise that the match carries weight beyond bragging rights. United currently sit third in the league, while Liverpool are level on 58 points with Aston Villa in fifth, holding a superior goal difference.
A win for Liverpool this weekend would likely cement their place in next season’s Champions League, a goal both clubs share. Slot emphasized the broader implications: "Every game influences your league position.
We know it’s a very big game, not only because we play United but also because it affects our Champions League qualification and our final league standing." He was careful to describe the encounter as a forward‑moving step rather than a mere formality. "I wouldn’t say it’s a step forward, but it’s the right step to make. We know how important it is to qualify for the Champions League.
It’s an important step – not a step backwards, but a step forward in the right direction," Slot affirmed. Carrick, for his part, downplayed the immediate impact on the table, focusing instead on the progress his squad has made.
He highlighted the team’s stronger position entering the match thanks to recent positive results. "It shows the improvements of the group and getting stronger to be coming into this game in a good position on the back of some good results," he said.
"We’re fully aware of how close the league is, but that’s not where our focus lies." He described the upcoming clash as a "one‑off game" and stressed respect for Liverpool’s quality, noting their recent league triumph. "They have great players and they won the league last year, and we respect everything that goes into the game," Carrick remarked. "We’re treating it as a one‑off game and the league is what it is.
Sunday will be a whole different ball game." Carrick also reflected on the privilege of participating in such a historic rivalry. "It’s a real privilege for us all to be involved in it… two incredible football clubs, so close in terms of titles and geography, making such an impact over time – that’s special," he concluded. Fans can tune in to watch Manchester United versus Liverpool live on Sky Sports on Super Sunday, with coverage beginning at 2 pm and kickoff at 3:30 pm. The match promises drama, intensity, and the chance for either side to solidify their European ambitions as the Premier League season draws toward its climax.