The former Manchester United midfielders offered similar assessments of the physical differences between the two teams during Sunday's Old Trafford showdown
11:11, 04 May 2026
Arne Slot and Michael Carrick
Michael Carrick admitted he looked to counteract Liverpool's strengths in Manchester United's Premier League win
Michael Carrick has revealed he anticipated and counteracted Arne Slot’s tactical approach to Sunday’s game at Old Trafford.
Manchester United emerged with a 3-2 win from the Premier League tussle against Liverpool, a lead that was owed largely to the Red Devils’ impressive start. United was two goals up inside 14 minutes as Matheus Cunha and Benjamin Sesko struck past Freddie Woodman in the away goal.
The hosts’ early advantage was fully deserved. Buoyed by an expectant Old Trafford, United employed a more physical style than Liverpool and bullied the visitors in the early stages. The quick counter-attacks also proved vital, with United exploiting the Reds' high line.
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Speaking after the game, Carrick revealed he perfectly telegraphed Slot’s set-up.
“There was a lot today to be happy with and to be proud of,” said the interim United head coach. “We thought players available-wise that they would try to overload the midfield and it would be a challenge for us to close the spaces in the middle of the pitch.
“We have some really dangerous forwards, but we’re asking them to do a lot of work without the ball as well and that’s part of being a good team.
Michael Carrick
Carrick revealed he anticipated how Liverpool would set up in Sunday's game(Image: 2026 Manchester United FC)
“The way we closed that space and made it difficult for them - they’ve got some fantastic players and they made it difficult for us - but I thought the way we stuck at that really pleased me a lot.
“I have to say, the way supporters got behind us after the two goals, it’s easy after that point to get frustrated or to go the other way a little bit, and I thought again spirit and togetherness shows when it’s a little bit of a challenging time.”
Carrick's remarks echo those of Roy Keane, who claimed there was a “softness” to Liverpool’s approach.
Former Manchester United captain Roy Keane speaking on Sky Sports
Keane was critical of Liverpool's physical deficiencies against United(Image: Sky Sports)
“I think the worst insult for a team is when people say you're easy to play against," the Irishman said during Sky Sports' post-match coverage.
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“Liverpool are, certainly, this year. They've lost 19 in total. If teams think you're easy to play against, that's an insult off the back of winning the league. That will hurt the players and the manager the most.
"If you want to stop counter-attacks, stop it at source. Decision-making, being in the right positions. The softness with Liverpool is even in their decision-making.”
Sunday’s defeat means Liverpool needs four more points from the remaining three fixtures to guarantee a top-five finish and earn a Champions League place next season.