Michael Carrick has openly declared that fixtures between Manchester United and Liverpool sit at the very top of his personal favourites, while Liverpool manager Arne Slot regards a win as a crucial milestone on the road to securing a Champions League berth. The two sides are set to lock horns at Old Trafford on Super Sunday, with kickoff slated for 3:30 pm, and only three points separate them in the race for the league's top four. The Manchester United‑Liverpool showdown has long been hailed as one of the Premier League's most iconic rivalries, and Carrick brings a wealth of firsthand experience to the occasion. "It’s certainly one of my favourite games.
It’s a standout fixture," the United head coach said during his pre‑match press conference. "There are big games and big rivalries with other clubs, but this one is right up there." He went on to highlight the deep‑seated history and the roller‑coaster of emotions that have characterised the encounters over the decades. "The history, the ups and downs the history has produced in these kinds of games and the excitement, entertainment and emotion, which is a huge part of it, makes it a really special game," Carrick explained. "It’s the edge and the competition, irrespective of league positions over the years, that never really changes the feeling for the supporters.
Being part of a match like this and coming out on top is the best feeling you can get." The previous meeting between the two clubs this season saw United triumph 2‑1 at Anfield in October, a victory that came under the stewardship of former manager Rubén Amorim. However, United have not managed to win both league fixtures against Liverpool since the 2015‑16 campaign.
Last season, Liverpool turned the tables with a 3‑0 win at Old Trafford, followed by a 2‑2 draw at Anfield. Slot, who has overseen Liverpool’s recent resurgence, praised the progress United have made since Carrick took charge. "Last season when we played them, they were not in the same league position as they are now and I said that their players are better than their league position shows," Slot said.
He added that a busy transfer window, which brought in a number of quality signings, has finally allowed United to translate their talent into consistent league performances. "It might be a bit of an advantage that they only play once a week. When we have played them every time, I have seen how good they are and now they have, especially under Michael Carrick, become more consistent in their results." Both managers recognise that the match carries far more weight than the usual rivalry. The Premier League table is extremely tight, with United currently occupying third place and Liverpool level on 58 points with Aston Villa in fifth, separated only by goal difference.
A win for Liverpool this weekend would virtually guarantee their place in next season’s Champions League, while United would also keep their hopes alive. Slot emphasized the broader implications: "Every game you play, it has influence on your league position… We are aware of the fact that it is a very big game, not only because we play Manchester United but also to qualify for the Champions League and to get the highest possible position in the league table.
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." Carrick, for his part, downplays the immediate league ramifications, focusing instead on the quality of the opposition and the significance of the occasion. "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.
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," he said. "It’s a one‑off game.
They've got some good players and they won the league last year, and we respect everything that goes into the game. We're treating it as a one‑off game and the league is what it is. Sunday is a whole different ball game." He also reflected on the privilege of participating in such a historic clash: "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 and geography, to have such an impact over such a time is so special." Looking ahead, both sides will aim to use the result as a springboard.
United will hope to build on their recent resurgence under Carrick, a manager who has transformed the squad’s mentality and tactical approach, while Liverpool will seek to cement their resurgence under Slot, who has blended youthful energy with seasoned experience to revive the club’s European ambitions. The match promises high‑octane football, tactical battles, and the ever‑present drama that defines one of England’s greatest rivalries. Fans can catch the live action on Sky Sports, with a free‑to‑watch highlight reel available after the final whistle.
The outcome will not only shape the immediate league standings but also set the tone for the final stretch of the season as both clubs chase European glory and domestic silverware.