Michael Carrick has described Manchester United's encounters with Liverpool as some of his favourite fixtures, while Liverpool manager Arne Slot emphasised that a victory would be a crucial step toward securing 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 most storied rivalries, and Carrick brings a wealth of personal experience to the occasion.
"It’s definitely one of my favourite games. It stands out above many others," the United head coach said during his pre‑match press conference. "We have big games and fierce rivalries with a number of clubs, but this one sits right at the top of that list." He went on to highlight the rich history and emotional roller‑coaster that the fixture has produced over the years.
"The history, the ups and downs, the drama, the entertainment and the sheer emotion – that’s what makes it such a special contest," Carrick explained. "Regardless of where we sit in the table at any given moment, the intensity and the feeling for the supporters never change. Being part of a match like this and coming out on top is the ultimate reward." The recent head‑to‑head record adds further intrigue. United secured a 2‑1 win at Anfield in the reverse fixture in October under former manager Rubén Amorim, yet they 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 drawing 2‑2 at home in the return leg. Slot, reflecting on United’s progress since Carrick took charge, praised the improvement in consistency and results.
"Last season when we faced them they were lower down the table than they are now, and I always believed their players were better than their position suggested," the Liverpool boss said. "The influx of new signings during the transfer window has finally translated into a stronger league standing." He added that playing United only once a week may have given Liverpool a slight edge, allowing them to study United’s tactics more closely. "When we meet them every week I see how good they are, but under Michael Carrick they have become more consistent in delivering results," Slot observed.
Both clubs are now locked in a tight battle for a Champions League berth. 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 for the coming season. Slot stressed the broader significance of the match beyond the rivalry itself. "Every game influences our league position, but this one is especially important because it’s not just about beating United – it’s about securing Champions League football and achieving the highest possible finish," he said. "I wouldn’t call it a step forward, but it is the right step.
It’s definitely not a step backwards; it’s an essential move toward our objectives." Carrick, however, downplayed the immediate league implications, focusing instead on the quality of the opposition and the prestige of the occasion. "The result will affect the table, but we’re more interested in how far the group has come and the strength we bring into this match after a series of solid performances," he remarked. "We’re fully aware of how close the standings are, but that’s not our primary focus right now." He described the encounter as a "one‑off" event, acknowledging Liverpool’s talent and recent league triumph.
"They have great players and they won the league last season, and we respect everything that goes into a match of this magnitude," Carrick said. "We treat it as a standalone game; the league table is what it is, and Sunday will be an entirely different challenge." Both managers highlighted the privilege of participating in such a high‑profile fixture. "It’s a real honour for everyone involved – two incredible clubs, close geographically and historically, creating such a massive impact over time. That makes it truly special," Carrick concluded.
The match will be broadcast live on Sky Sports, with a kickoff at 3:30 pm on Super Sunday. Fans can also follow live Premier League tables and highlights to keep track of the evolving title race and European qualification battle.