The former Manchester United midfielder lines up against Arne Slot as a coach for the first time in his career and could guide his side to a remarkable 42-pount turnover in the table this season
15:56, 01 May 2026
Michael Carrick
Michael Carrick said Manchester United vs Liverpool remains the "standout" fixture
Michael Carrick has described Manchester United’s game against Liverpool as a “standout” match ahead of his first coaching involvement in the fixture this weekend.
The former midfielder took up the reins at Old Trafford in January following the departure of Ruben Amorim as head coach. United was in seventh place when Carrick took over, but the ex-Middlesbrough boss has all but secured a top-five finish and a Champions League place.
Sunday marks the first time he will take charge of a United team against Liverpool as a coach, and he admitted it will be a special day against the club’s biggest rival.
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“Certainly one of my favorite games, without doubt. It is a standout game,” said the 44-year-old in Friday’s press conference.
“There are big games, big rivalries that we have with other teams, but this one is right up there. The history of it, ups and downs that the past has produced in these types of game and the excitement and entertainment and the emotion, which is a huge part of it, makes it a really special game.
“It has that edge and competition,” Carrick added. “Irrespective of league positions over the years and who has been on top at certain times, it has never changed the feeling of the game, the emotion of the supporters.
Manchester United Head Coach / Manager Michael Carrick applauds the fans at the end of the Premier League match between Manchester United and Brentford
Carrick is set to face Liverpool for the first time as a coach(Image: (Photo by Richard Martin-Roberts - CameraSport via Getty Images))
“I think it’s really appreciating what it means to the supporters. It’s just a special game to be part of and to come out on top is one of the best feelings you'll get.
“I think it’s two incredible football clubs. To be so close together in so many ways: titles, geographical. To have such an impact over such a period of time it is quite special and I think we all appreciate that.”
United head into Sunday’s game three points clear of Liverpool and could finish above the reigning champions despite trailing the Reds by a staggering 42 points last season.
“It shows the improvements of the group, and getting stronger,” said Carrick. “We come into this game in such a good position off the back of good results and trying to achieve [what we want], and moving forward.
“I am fully aware of the situation in the league and how close it is between us but it is not something that we are focusing on. It is a one-off game.
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“They have got some terrific players. They’re a good team who won the league last season.
“We are treating it as a one-off game. The league position is what it is but Sunday's a whole different ball game.”