Man United play Liverpool in the Premier League on Sunday and Michael Carrick spoke ahead of the game.
Carrick spoke ahead of kick-off.(Image: mutv)
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Michael Carrick has explained his thinking behind the decision to restore Matheus Cunha to the starting line-up for Manchester United's clash with Liverpool. Cunha missed the Brentford game as a precaution with a sore hip flexor, but he has come back into the side to face Liverpool.
Carrick defended Amad at his pre-match press conference, saying there is more to football than providing goals and assists, however, he has named the winger on the bench to accommodate Cunha's return.
Cunha coming into the side is the only change from the win against Brentford at the beginning of the week. Carrick had a choice between Leny Yoro and Ayden Heaven in central defence, but he has stuck by the latter.
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When asked about the decision to start Cunha, Carrick said: “Yeah, it's good, he's done a bit of work this week, we knew it wasn't a serious one, as a squad we look strong, we got good options to start and had to pick a team. Equally we have options to finish strong.”
Speaking about the match, he added: "We know this game is an important, massive game regardless of league position or whatever else is going on.
"I've been close to it for so long, [being in] the away end was a great experience and gives you a different perspective, attaches you to it even more but today is a new, different game but important.
"If we can win today, it'll be big for us. It's not always that easy, if we look at the bigger picture, with so many games to go is a really good position, the boys have done some great work to put the results together to be here. It gives us a game to go at today, a one-off game, we're in a good position in the league."
United’s place in the Champions League will be made official if Bournemouth do not win against Crystal Palace today. Even if the Cherries win, United can seal their spot in Europe’s elite competition by beating or drawing with Liverpool in the later kick-off.