Liverpool head coach Arne Slot has praised Manchester United's improvement under interim boss Michael Carrick, who is in contention for the permanent role as the Red Devils close in on Champions League qualification
Jack Flintham
15:29, 01 May 2026Updated 15:42, 01 May 2026
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - APRIL 27: Michael Carrick, head coach of Manchester United, during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Brentford at Old Trafford on April 27, 2026 in Manchester, England. (Photo by James Gill - Danehouse/Getty Images)
Michael Carrick has Manchester United on the verge of making a Champions League return(Image: James Gill - Danehouse, Getty Images)
Liverpool head coach Arne Slot has suggested we are now witnessing "how good Manchester United really are" as Michael Carrick looks to steer them toward a Champions League berth next season.
The Red Devils appointed Carrick on an interim basis following Ruben Amorim's outburst after the draw at Leeds.
Carrick was given the opportunity to prove his worth while United sought a permanent replacement. However, a string of impressive results combined with a shortage of viable alternatives has placed Carrick firmly in pole position for the role on a full-time basis. United have won nine of the 13 matches since his return to the dugout.
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Meanwhile, prospective candidates to succeed Amorim, among them Thomas Tuchel, have remained out of reach.
With a Champions League spot all but secured, Carrick is now awaiting confirmation of whether he will be retained. Speaking at his pre-match press conference ahead of the clash with United, Slot acknowledged the improvements he has observed.
"Last season, their players were better than their league position suggested," he said.
"After another transfer window, we can now see how good they really are. It might be a bit of an advantage that they only play once a week, but as I said before, when analyzing them, I saw how good they are — and it's the same now. They're more consistent in their results."
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - APRIL 19: Arne Slot, head coach of Liverpool after the Premier League match between Everton and Liverpool at Hill Dickinson Stadium on April 19, 2026 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Molly Darlington/Getty Images)
Arne Slot has lauded Carrick for the impact he's made at Old Trafford(Image: Molly Darlington, Getty Images)
Earlier in the campaign, Amorim orchestrated a 2-1 triumph for United at Anfield, and should the Reds come out on top on Sunday, they will secure their place in next season's Champions League. Liverpool, however, has its own ambitions of qualifying for the competition, and a victory would bolster its prospects considerably.
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Slot added: "We are aware that it is a very big game. Not only because we play Man United, but to qualify for the Champions League and to get the highest possible league position.
"We wanted to win the league - that is not possible - so we are trying to finish as high as possible. A win [which could secure a top-five finish] is the right step forward.
"It is an important step, it is definitely not a step backwards."