Michael Carrick has openly admitted that the clashes between Manchester United and Liverpool sit near the top of his personal favourites, while Arsenal’s manager Arne Slot stresses that a win would be a crucial milestone for the Reds on their 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. At the moment, only three points separate them in the race for the top four, underscoring how tightly contested the title chase has become. Historically, this fixture has been one of the Premier League’s biggest spectacles, and Carrick brings a wealth of experience from his own playing days when he regularly featured in these high‑stakes encounters.
"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 is right up there. "The history, the ups and downs that 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." He continued, "It’s the edge and the competition, irrespective of league positions over the years, of who has been on top at certain times. It never really changes the feeling of the game or the emotion of the supporters.
"It’s a special game to be part of and to come out on top is the best feeling you can get." The most recent meeting between the two clubs saw United triumph 2‑1 at Anfield in the reverse fixture back in October, a victory that came under former manager Rubén Amorim. That win broke a long‑standing trend: United have not managed to win both league games against Liverpool since the 2015/16 season. Last season, Liverpool enjoyed a 3‑0 win at Old Trafford, followed by a 2‑2 draw at Anfield, demonstrating the seesaw nature of this rivalry. When asked about the progress United have made since Carrick took charge, Slot offered his perspective: "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.
"Another transfer window added a lot of players and that has finally resulted in us seeing their quality reflected in the league table." He added, "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." While the fixture itself needs little embellishment, the stakes are amplified by the proximity of the two clubs in the Premier League standings as they both aim to secure a Champions League berth for the upcoming season.
United currently sit in third place, with Liverpool level on 58 points with Aston Villa in fifth, but ahead on goal difference. A victory for Liverpool this weekend would likely cement their place in Europe’s premier competition.
Slot summed up the importance of the match: "Every game you play has an influence on your league position… We are aware that it is a very big game, not only because we play United but also because it impacts our chances of qualifying for the Champions League and achieving the highest possible league finish. "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." He reiterated, "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 impact on the table is secondary to the broader narrative of progress. He highlighted how the team’s improvement over the season has positioned them well for this encounter. "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," Carrick said.
"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 emphasized a pragmatic approach: "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." Carrick also reflected on the privilege of participating in such a storied rivalry: "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." The match will be broadcast live on Sky Sports, with kickoff at 3.30 pm on Super Sunday.
Fans can also follow live updates via the Premier League’s official website and enjoy post‑match highlights for free. Both managers understand that while the result could shift the balance of power in the top four, the true essence of the fixture lies in its rich heritage, fierce competition, and the passion it ignites among supporters worldwide. The outcome will not only influence the Champions League race but will also add another memorable chapter to one of English football’s most iconic rivalries.