Michael Carrick has described the encounters between Manchester United and Liverpool as some of his personal favourites, while Liverpool manager Arne Slot stressed that a win would represent a crucial milestone on the road to Champions League qualification. The two sides are set to meet at Old Trafford on Super Sunday, with kickoff scheduled for 3:30 pm. At the moment, only three points separate them in the race for the top four, underscoring the high stakes of the fixture.
This match remains one of the Premier League's most iconic rivalries, and Carrick brings a wealth of experience to the occasion, having featured in many of these high‑profile games during his playing career. "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. "The history, the ups and downs that have unfolded over the years, the excitement, the entertainment and the emotion – all of that makes it a truly special contest." He went on to note that the intensity of the rivalry transcends league positions. "Regardless of who has been on top at various moments, the feeling of the game and the passion of the supporters never change.
Being part of such a match and coming out on top is the best feeling you can imagine." Last season, United secured a 2‑1 victory at Anfield in the reverse fixture, a win that came under former manager Rúben Amorim. However, United have not managed to win both league meetings against Liverpool since the 2015‑16 campaign. In contrast, Liverpool enjoyed a 3‑0 triumph at Old Trafford last season, followed by a 2‑2 draw at home.
Slot reflected on United’s progress under Carrick, saying: "When we faced them last season, their league position didn’t reflect the quality of their squad. I always believed their players were better than the table suggested. "They added a number of signings in the most recent transfer window, and now we’re seeing that quality translate into points on the table." He added that playing Liverpool only once a week might give United a slight edge, but also highlighted the consistency United have shown under Carrick: "When we meet them every time, I see how good they are, and under Michael Carrick they have become more reliable in their results." Both clubs are now locked in a tight battle for Champions League places.
United sit third, while Liverpool are level on 58 points with Aston Villa in fifth, holding a superior goal difference. A victory for Liverpool this weekend would likely cement their return to Europe’s premier competition. Slot emphasized the broader significance of the match: "Every game influences your league standing.
We know this is a massive fixture, not just because we face United, but because it can determine our Champions League fate and our final league position. "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 immediate impact on the table is less of a pre‑match obsession. He pointed out that the prospect of finishing above Liverpool this season demonstrates how far United have come: "It shows the group’s improvement and the strength we’re bringing into this game after a string of solid results. "We’re fully aware of how close the league is, but that’s not where our focus lies." He described the encounter as a "one‑off" event, respecting Liverpool’s pedigree while staying grounded: "They have quality players and they were league champions last year, and we respect everything that goes into a match of this magnitude. "We treat it as a single, decisive game, and the league table will sort itself out later.
Sunday will be a completely different ball game." Carrick also reflected on the privilege of participating in such a historic rivalry: "It’s an honour for all of us to be involved – two incredible clubs, so close geographically and historically, influencing each other for decades. That makes this fixture truly special." The match will be broadcast live on Sky Sports, with a kickoff at 3:30 pm on Super Sunday. Fans can also enjoy related promotions, including a chance to win £250,000 through the Super 6 competition.