Gary Neville believes that the upcoming Super Sunday clash between Manchester United and Liverpool at Old Trafford carries far more weight for the two managers, Michael Carrick and Arne Slot, than the final league positions might suggest. Both clubs are comfortably perched in the top‑five this season, with United sitting three points clear of Liverpool and the gap to sixth‑placed Brighton now standing at 11 points for United and eight points for Liverpool, with only four matches remaining. While a Champions League berth appears virtually guaranteed for both sides – United would seal their place with a win over their historic rivals – the encounter is still a pivotal moment for the men in charge. Carrick, who took over United in January, has overseen nine victories in 13 games since his appointment, a run that has sparked speculation that he will be handed the permanent role next season.
After a convincing win over Brentford on Monday Night Football, the former England midfielder has built a strong case for himself, and Sky Sports pundits on Neville’s podcast have hinted that his tenure could become permanent. Meanwhile, Liverpool’s Dutch boss Arne Slot has turned a relatively modest start to the campaign into a fourth‑place finish, despite a title defence that has been far from spectacular, featuring ten defeats. Slot’s ability to steer Liverpool back into the Champions League conversation has earned him considerable goodwill, and Sky Sports News reports that he is likely to remain at Anfield for the coming season. Neville emphasizes that the match is a massive occasion for the supporters, but also a personal test for both managers.
"Manchester United and Liverpool, great rivalry. But I think this is massive for both managers. I think this is massive for Michael Carrick and big for Arne Slot," he said.
He added that neither coach can afford an embarrassing loss, as a victory would boost confidence and reinforce their standing within the clubs. The underlying question, according to Neville, is whether each manager will retain his job into the next campaign. "Question marks of whether both are going to be at their clubs at the start of next season – is Michael going to get the job?
Is Arne Slot going to be kept on? Those questions keep sort of appearing for the Liverpool manager," he noted.
From a tactical perspective, Neville expects a tightly contested, defensively disciplined game. He predicts Carrick will line up a four‑man attack featuring Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo, Bruno Fernandes and Benjamin Sesko, while expressing uncertainty over Amad Diallo’s involvement.
He also expects Carrick to adopt a more compact, cautious approach than the attacking style displayed in United’s first‑half win over Brentford, stressing that the manager is unlikely to deploy a back‑five. "I think he'll definitely get them a lot more switched on defensively and say you've got to be a lot more compact and tight," Neville said. "Both managers will be careful not to give away chances, turning the match into a chess‑like battle." Neville also highlighted that while the league positions may not be dramatically altered by the result, the psychological impact could be significant. A win for either side would send a strong message to the squad and the board ahead of the next season, especially as both clubs are expected to compete in Europe’s elite competition.
He expressed confidence that Liverpool will qualify, stating, "I'm 95 to 99 per cent certain that they're going to be in the Champions League as well." Beyond the immediate stakes, Neville reflected on the broader narrative of the two managers. For Carrick, beating Liverpool would cement his reputation and possibly secure his future at United.
For Slot, a victory would demonstrate his ability to guide Liverpool against their biggest domestic rival, reinforcing his credibility after a season of mixed results. "If Arne Slot were to come here and win, it would be big for him, it would be very big for him.
If Michael Carrick was to go and beat Arne Slot and see Liverpool off here, it would be massive," Neville said. While acknowledging that the game is ultimately decided on the pitch by the players, the former United captain insists the managerial storyline adds an extra layer of intrigue. He wishes the fixture carried even higher stakes, such as a title decider, but recognises that the primary battle will be one of pride, tactical acumen, and the desire to start the next season on a positive note. In summary, Neville’s analysis paints the Manchester United‑Liverpool match as a critical test for Michael Carrick and Arne Slot.
Both managers are on the cusp of securing Champions League football, yet they must also prove they can handle the pressure of a high‑profile rivalry. A disciplined, cautious approach from both sides is expected, with the outcome likely to influence the perception of each manager’s future at their respective clubs.
The game promises to be a tightly contested affair, offering fans a classic showdown while providing Carrick and Slot a platform to showcase their strategic expertise and cement their positions ahead of the 2024‑25 season.