Michael Carrick has described Manchester United's encounters with Liverpool as some of his most cherished fixtures, while Arsenal’s Arne Slot emphasizes that a victory would be a crucial milestone for the Reds in their quest for Champions League qualification. The two sides are set to meet 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 United‑Liverpool showdown remains one of the Premier League's marquee rivalries, a contest in which Carrick boasts a wealth of personal experience.
"It’s certainly one of my favourite games. It’s a standout game," the Manchester United manager said during his pre‑match press conference. "There are big games and big rivalries with other clubs, but this one sits right at the top of that list. "The history, the ups and downs that the history has produced in these kinds of games, the excitement, the entertainment and the emotion – all of that makes it a really special match." He went on to note that the intensity and competition have endured regardless of league positions over the years.
"It’s the edge and the competition, irrespective of where we’ve finished in the table at various times. The feeling of the game and the passion of the supporters never really change. It’s a special occasion to be part of, and coming out on top feels like the best possible reward." Manchester United secured a 2‑1 win at Anfield in the reverse fixture back in October, when the team was still under the guidance of former boss Rubén Amorim.
However, United have not managed to win both league meetings against Liverpool since the 2015/16 season. Last season, Liverpool triumphed 3‑0 at Old Trafford before the two sides shared points in a 2‑2 draw at Anfield. When asked about the progress United have made since Carrick took the reins, Liverpool boss Arne Slot commented: "Last season when we played them, they weren’t in the same league position they are now, and I said their players are better than their league position suggests.
A busy transfer window added a lot of quality, and now we’re finally seeing that reflected in the table." Slot added that Liverpool’s relatively light fixture schedule could be an advantage. "They only play once a week, and when we’ve faced them repeatedly I’ve seen how good they are. Under Michael Carrick they’ve become more consistent in their results, which is a testament to the work they’ve done." Both clubs are locked in a tight battle for Champions League spots as the season draws to a close. United sit third, while Liverpool are level on 58 points with Aston Villa in fifth, holding a superior goal difference.
A win for Liverpool on Sunday would likely cement their place in Europe’s premier competition. Slot stressed the broader implications of the match. "Every game you play influences your league position.
We know it’s a massive game, not just because we face United but because a Champions League berth is at stake and we want the highest possible finish in the table. 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." For Carrick, the potential impact on the table is less of a focus than the quality of the opposition. He highlighted how far United have come.
"It shows the improvements of the group and how we’ve grown stronger, arriving at this game in a good position after a series of solid results. We’re fully aware of how close the league is, but that’s not our primary focus." He described the fixture as a "one‑off" occasion. "They have great players and they won the league last year, and we respect everything that goes into this match.
We treat it as a single event, and the league will sort itself out. Sunday is a completely different ball game." Carrick also reflected on the privilege of participating in such a historic rivalry. "It’s a real privilege for all of us to be involved – two incredible football clubs, so close geographically and competitively, creating such an impact over time.
That makes the occasion truly special." The match will be broadcast live on Sky Sports, with the Super Sunday lineup kicking off at 3:30 pm. Fans can also enjoy highlights, live league tables, and other Premier League content through various platforms. The outcome of this clash could shape the final standings and determine which clubs secure coveted Champions League football for the upcoming season.