Michael Carrick: Man Utd-Liverpool is a ‘standout game’

Michael Carrick is a veteran of games against Liverpool from his days of anchoring Manchester United’s midfield and believes the clash of England’s two most successful clubs remains a “special” fixture in the season.

“It’s certainly one of my favourite games, without doubt. It’s a standout game,” he said. “I think there’s obviously big games and big rivalries that we have with other teams but certainly this one is right up there.

“The history, the ups and downs that past has produced in these type of game, and the excitement, entertainment and emotion, which is a huge part of it, makes it a really special game.”

Jamie Braidwood3 May 2026 13:55

Manchester United v Liverpool: Reminder of early team news

Manchester United

Matheus Cunha missed out on Monday’s win against Brentford could could return to the squad. Michael Carrick said he was hopeful Luke Shaw could feature after he was forced off but Matthijs de Ligt is not ready yet and Lisandro Martinez is suspended.

Liverpool

Liverpool will be without Mohamed Salah due to injury, which means the Egyptian will miss out on a final trip to Old Trafford as a Liverpool player. A late call will be made on goalkeeper Alisson Becker, with Freddie Woodman set to continue if the Brazilian remains unavailable due to injury. There are some rumours, meanwhile, that Alexander Isak has picked up another injury and will be unavailable.

Jamie Braidwood3 May 2026 13:42

Bruno Fernandes: ‘I could have left last season’

Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has revealed he turned down offers to leave the club as achieving success at Old Trafford would feel better than anywhere else.

“It’s not a question of loyalty. I could have gone two years ago, I could have gone three years ago, I could have gone last season, but I really like to be here,” Fernandes told Sky Sports.

“I think that being successful at this club is something that I can never get at another club. The joy and everything I get, the day I get what I want from this club, I don’t think I will get that from any other club in the world.”

Jamie Braidwood3 May 2026 13:25

Manchester United’s last Premier League win over Liverpool at Old Trafford

Manchester United have won just three of their last 19 games against Liverpool in the Premier League. Apart from their dramatic FA Cup quarter-final victory over the Reds in March 2024, their last Premier League victory against Liverpool came way back in August 2022 when Jadon Sancho and Marcus Rashford were on the scoresheet.

Jamie Braidwood3 May 2026 13:08

Manchester United eye first league double over Liverpool since 2015-16

Having beaten Liverpool at Anfield earlier this season, Manchester United could complete their first league double over Liverpool in 10 years with a win at Old Trafford today.

That would be delivered by both Ruben Amorim and Michael Carrick. Amorim delivered perhaps the best result of his ill-fated tenure when United won 2-1 at Anfield earlier this season.

(Getty)

Jamie Braidwood3 May 2026 12:51

Judgement day arrives for Arne Slot but what will Liverpool’s verdict be?

Judgement day beckons for Arne Slot. Not directly on Sunday, even if Liverpool and Manchester United can always judge themselves against each other and a showdown at Old Trafford provides an easy opportunity for a comparison between teams who were separated by 42 points last season.

It may not even relate to Slot’s employers, with the sense he will remain at Anfield for next season.

Speculation has swirled around Slot but Liverpool have not generated it or given indications they are considering a change. If many of the fanbase came to a definitive conclusion about a title-winning manager months ago, perhaps after a run of nine defeats in 12, and if the Dutchman refused to complain, saying it is up to others to determine if he is harshly judged, there is one verdict which is still to be delivered. His own.

Richard Jolly, at Old Trafford3 May 2026 12:33

Liverpool eye right-footed replacement for Mohamed Salah

Liverpool are looking at wingers they feel would create chances for Alexander Isak as they try to find a replacement for Mohamed Salah and discover a solution to their biggest buy’s lack of goals.

Isak had a prolific partnership at St James’ Park with Jacob Murphy in 2024-25, with the Swede scoring seven goals that were assisted by the right-footed right winger.

In comparison, Salah is left-footed and likes to come infield and shoot, while Arne Slot suggested Liverpool are missing the delivery from the right flank of Trent Alexander-Arnold, who joined Real Madrid last year.

Richard Jolly, at Old Trafford 3 May 2026 12:15

Liverpool’s recent record at Old Trafford

Liverpool have won three of their last five visits to Old Trafford, including a 3-0 victory early in last season’s title-winning campaign. That was Arne Slot’s first statement result as Liverpool boss, and it spelled the end for Erik ten Hag.

Mohamed Salah scored an incredible 16 goals in 18 appearances against Manchester United, including his last five appearances at Old Trafford. But injury rules the Egyptian out today, denying him a last appearance against Liverpool’s rivals in his last season at Anfield.

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Jamie Braidwood3 May 2026 11:55

Bruno Fernandes gunning for Premier League assist record

Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes moved to 19 Premier League assists for the season with his pass to Benjamin Sesko in the win over Brentford on Monday. The Portuguese is now level with Mesut Ozil and one behind Thierry Henry and Kevin De Bruyne’s record of 20 in a season, with four games to go.

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Jamie Braidwood3 May 2026 11:38

An ‘inconsequential’ Man Utd-Liverpool clash?

Both Manchester United and Liverpool seem to have their place in next season’s Champions League wrapped up. Brentford’s win over West Ham yesterday keeps it mathematically open for now, but it appears to be a certainty that both Manchester United and Liverpool will make it. Today’s game, then, should be more about next season and the futures of Michael Carrick and Arne Slot.

3) Manchester United | Pts: 61, GD: +14 4) Liverpool | Pts: 58, GD: +13 5) Aston Villa | Pts: 58, GD: +56) Brentford | Pts: 51, GD: +6

Jamie Braidwood3 May 2026 11:20