Michael Carrick has described Manchester United's encounters with Liverpool as some of his favourite fixtures, while Liverpool manager Arne Slot stresses that a win would be a crucial milestone in the Reds' quest for Champions League qualification. The two sides are set to meet at Old Trafford on Super Sunday, with kick‑off scheduled for 3:30 pm, and they sit just three points apart in the race for the league's top four positions. The Manchester United‑Liverpool rivalry remains one of the Premier League's most high‑profile and storied contests, and Carrick is no stranger to the occasion, having featured in many of these games during his playing career. "It’s definitely one of my favourite games.
It stands out among the fixtures I love," the United head coach said during his pre‑match press conference. "There are big games and fierce rivalries with other clubs, but this one sits right at the top of that list." He went on to highlight the deep history and the roller‑coaster of emotions that have defined the match‑ups over the decades. "The history, the ups and downs, the drama that these games produce, plus the excitement, entertainment and sheer emotion – that’s a huge part of why it feels so special," Carrick explained.
"The intensity and competition, regardless of where we sit in the table, never change the feeling for the fans or the players. Being part of such a game and coming out on top is the best feeling you can imagine." Last season, United travelled to Anfield in October under former manager Rubén Amorim and secured a 2‑1 victory.
However, United have not managed to win both league meetings with Liverpool since the 2015/16 campaign. Liverpool, on the other hand, enjoyed a 3‑0 triumph at Old Trafford last season before drawing 2‑2 at home in the return fixture. Slot, reflecting on Carrick's impact since taking over at United, noted how the Red Devils have improved dramatically.
"When we played them last season, they were not in the league position they are in now. I always believed their squad was better than their table standing suggested," Slot said. He added that a busy transfer window, which brought in a host of new players, finally allowed United to translate quality into points.
"We know they are a good side, but now they are showing it consistently in the league table." The Dutch manager also mentioned a subtle advantage: United now play Liverpool only once a week, giving them more time to recover and prepare. "When we faced them every week, I saw how good they are.
Under Michael Carrick, they have become more consistent in their results, which is a testament to his leadership," Slot observed. Both clubs are locked in a tight battle for a Champions League berth next season.
United sit third, while Liverpool share 58 points with Aston Villa in fifth place, leading on goal difference. A victory for Liverpool this weekend would likely cement their place in Europe’s premier competition.
Slot underscored the stakes, stating, "Every match influences your league position. We know this is a massive game, not just because we face United, but because it could decide our Champions League qualification and our final league standing." He was careful to qualify his remarks: "I wouldn’t call it a step forward, but it is the right step to take. Qualifying for the Champions League is vital for us. It’s an important step – not a step backwards, but a forward‑looking move." Carrick, for his part, downplayed the immediate impact on the table, focusing instead on the progress his side has made.
"The result will affect the table, but we’re more interested in how far the group has come and the strength we have shown heading into this match," he said. "We’re aware of how close the race is, but we’re not obsessing over it." He described the upcoming clash as a "one‑off" affair, respecting Liverpool’s quality and their recent league triumph. "They have great players and they won the league last year, and we respect everything that goes into that.
We treat this as a single, unique game, and the league will take care of itself. Sunday is a completely different ball game," Carrick remarked.
Both managers praised the privilege of participating in such a high‑profile encounter. "It’s a real honour for all of us to be involved – two incredible clubs, so close geographically and historically, creating such an impact over time.
That makes the fixture even more special," Carrick concluded. Fans can catch the live action on Sky Sports, with the match kicking off at 3:30 pm on Super Sunday. The broadcast will also be available via the Sky Sports app for those without a traditional Sky subscription. In addition, the Premier League table and highlights will be updated in real time throughout the weekend, allowing supporters to track the ongoing battle for Europe’s elite competition.
Beyond the immediate drama, the result could shape the narrative of the season for both clubs. United aim to prove they have returned to the top tier under Carrick’s guidance, while Liverpool seek to solidify their resurgence under Slot and secure another Champions League campaign. The stakes, the history, and the passion of the supporters combine to make this fixture one of the most anticipated events on the English football calendar.