Michael Carrick has openly praised the encounters between Manchester United and Liverpool, labeling them as some of his personal favourites on the football calendar. Meanwhile, Liverpool manager Arne Slot has stressed that securing a win in the upcoming showdown would be a crucial milestone in the Reds' quest for Champions League qualification. The two sides are set to face each other at Old Trafford on Super Sunday, with kickoff scheduled for 3:30 pm. Currently, only three points separate the clubs in the race for the top four, making the match a pivotal fixture in the latter stages of the Premier League season.
The United‑Liverpool rivalry remains one of the most storied and intense in English football, and Carrick is no stranger to the pressure and excitement that accompany it. In his pre‑match press conference, the Manchester United head coach said, "It’s certainly one of my favourite games. It’s a standout game.
There are big matches and historic rivalries with other clubs, but this one sits right at the top of the list." He went on to reflect on the deep‑rooted history that fuels the contest, noting, "The ups and downs that the history has produced in these kinds of games, the excitement, the entertainment and the emotion – those are huge parts of why it feels so special." Carrick highlighted that the rivalry transcends league positions, adding, "It’s the edge and the competition, regardless of who has been on top at any particular moment. The feeling of the game and the passion of the supporters never really change." He summed up the personal significance of the fixture, stating, "Being part of a game like this and coming out on top is the best feeling you can imagine." The most recent meeting between the two clubs took place at Anfield in October, when United, then managed by former boss Rubén Amorim, edged Liverpool 2‑1.
That victory marked the first time United had won both league fixtures against Liverpool since the 2015‑16 season. Last season, Liverpool enjoyed a 3‑0 triumph at Old Trafford, followed by a 2‑2 draw at Anfield, underscoring the fine margins that often decide this rivalry. When discussing the progress United have made under Carrick’s stewardship, Slot said, "Last season when we played them, they were not in the same league position they are now, and I thought their players were better than their table position suggested." He continued, "A busy transfer window brought in a number of quality signings, and we are finally seeing those players translate that quality into league points.
It might be an advantage that they only play once a week, but when we have faced them regularly I have seen how good they are, and under Michael Carrick they have become more consistent in their results." Both clubs sit very close to each other in the Premier League table as they chase Champions League football for the forthcoming season. United currently sit third, while Liverpool are level on 58 points with Aston Villa in fifth place but sit ahead on goal difference. A win for Liverpool this weekend would likely cement their place in Europe’s premier club competition.
Slot emphasized the broader stakes, noting, "Every game you play influences your league position. We are aware that this is a very big game, not only because we play United but also because it has a direct impact on our Champions League qualification hopes and on securing the highest possible league finish." He added, "I wouldn’t say it is a step forward, but it is the right step to make. We know how important it is to qualify for the Champions League.
It is an important step. Is it a step forward?
It is definitely not a step backwards, but it is an important step to make." For Carrick, the potential effect of the result on the league table is not his primary focus. Instead, he sees the match as a benchmark of the progress his side has made.
He remarked, "It shows the improvements of the group and getting stronger to be coming into this game in a good position on the back of some good results." He continued, "We’re fully aware of the situation in the league and how close it is between us, but that’s not something we’ve focused on. It’s a one‑off game. They have some good players and they won the league last year, and we respect everything that goes into the game." Carrick concluded, "We’re treating it as a one‑off game and the league is what it is. Sunday is a whole different ball game.
It’s a real privilege for us all to be involved in it… it’s two incredible football clubs, and to be so close together in so many ways – in terms of titles, geography and impact over time – is truly special." The match will be broadcast live on Sky Sports, with a kickoff time of 3:30 pm on Super Sunday. Fans can also follow live updates through the Premier League’s official channels and enjoy post‑match highlights and analysis. The outcome will likely have a decisive influence on the final top‑four standings, making it a must‑watch event for supporters of both clubs and neutral observers alike.