Man Utd vs Liverpool: Clash for Champions League Spot

Manchester United host arch-rivals Liverpool in a match that could prove decisive in the race for a Champions League spot next season.

The ‘Red Devils’ sit third in the table, three points ahead of Liverpool, and need just two more points to officially seal a top-five finish. For Liverpool, a win would level them on points with their opponents.

Carrick: 'A Special Match'

Manchester United interim manager Michael Carrick believes the clash with Liverpool is always a standout fixture, even if neither side is challenging for the Premier League title this season.

“It’s certainly one of my favourites, no doubt about it,” Carrick said. “The history, the ups and downs, the excitement, entertainment, and emotion – it all makes it a truly special game.”

The former England midfielder noted his side's vast improvement from last season, when they finished 15th, a staggering 42 points behind champions Liverpool.

Fernandes on Assist Record

Captain Bruno Fernandes is just one assist away from matching the 20-assist record in a single season jointly held by Thierry Henry and Kevin De Bruyne.

Carrick believes Fernandes deserves to win the Premier League Player of the Season award: “Hopefully he gets it. The moments he creates – whether assists, goals, or his impact in the group – have been immense.”

Salah Out Injured

Liverpool manager Arne Slot confirmed Mohamed Salah will miss the match due to a muscle injury, but expects him back before the season ends.

“From Mo, we know he always works extremely hard to return as soon as possible,” Slot said. “We hope he’ll be back for the final stretch, but not this Sunday.”

Salah picked up a hamstring issue in last week’s win over Crystal Palace. Despite initial fears it could sideline him for the rest of the season, scans showed the injury is not severe.

Slot Praises Carrick

Slot complimented his United counterpart: “I’ve seen how good they are, and under Carrick, they’ve become more consistent in results.”

He acknowledged the match is vital for the Champions League race: “It’s a huge game, not just because the opponent is United, but because of the Champions League objective.”

Team News

For Manchester United, striker Matheus Cunha has returned to training. Luke Shaw may feature, while Matthijs de Ligt is not at full fitness.

Liverpool are without goalkeeper Alisson and his replacement Giorgi Mamardashvili (knee injury). Alongside Salah, Conor Bradley, Giovanni Leoni, and Hugo Ekitike (Achilles tendon) are also out. Left-back Milos Kerkez is a doubt.

Head-to-Head

The sides have met 243 times: United have 92 wins, Liverpool 82, and 71 draws. In the last five meetings, United have two wins, two draws, and one loss.

In their most recent encounter, United won 2-1 at Anfield in October 2025, courtesy of a late Harry Maguire goal.

Predicted Line-ups:

Manchester United: Lammens; Dalot, Maguire, Heaven, Shaw; Casemiro, Mainoo; Mbeumo, Fernandes, Cunha; Sesko.

Liverpool: Woodman; Jones, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Gravenberch, Mac Allister; Szoboszlai, Wirtz, Gakpo; Isak.