Manager Michael Carrick called the matches between Manchester United and Liverpool some of his favorites, while manager Arne Slott said victory would be an “important” step for the Reds towards qualifying for the Champions League.
The two sides will meet at Old Trafford on Super Sunday (kick-off 3.30pm), with three points separating the teams in the top four.
This game remains the biggest game and rivalry in the Premier League, and it’s a game in which Carrick has plenty of experience playing.
“It’s definitely one of my favorite games, it’s an outstanding game,” Manchester United’s head coach said in his pre-match press conference. “There are big games and big rivalries with other teams, but this team is right up there.
“This kind of game has a history, the ups and downs that that history has created, and the excitement, entertainment and emotion that is a big part of it is what makes it really special.
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Manchester United head coach Michael Carrick has spoken about Coby Mainu after signing a new five-year contract with the club.
“It was an advantage and a competition and no matter where we were in the league over the years, no matter who was at the top at any given time, it never really changed the feel of the game or the emotions of the supporters.
“This is a special game and it feels great to win.”
Manchester United came from behind to win 2-1 at Anfield in October under former manager Ruben Amorim. Man United have not won both Premier League games against Liverpool since the 2015/16 season.
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Highlights of the Premier League match between Liverpool and Manchester United.
Last season, Liverpool won 3-0 at Old Trafford but drew 2-2 at home.
Reds manager Slott spoke about how Carrick has improved Man United since taking over, saying: “When we played them last season they weren’t in the same league position as they are now, but I said their players were better than their league position would suggest.
Sunday, May 3, 2:00 p.m.
3:30pm kickoff
“In another transfer window we brought in a lot of players and as a result we finally saw… we know they are really good and now they are showing it in the league table.
“It might be a bit of an advantage for them to only play once a week. We’ve seen how good they are every time we play them and now they’re more consistent, especially under Michael Carrick.”
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Manager Arne Slott has confirmed that Mo Salah will miss Sunday’s game against Liverpool due to injury, but said he will return before the end of the season.
Will the race around Europe give us an added advantage?
Man United vs. Liverpool doesn’t need more spice, but both clubs are close in the Premier League table as they aim to qualify for next season’s Champions League.
Manchester United are in third place, followed by Liverpool. Liverpool are level on 58 points and lead fifth-placed Aston Villa on goal difference. A win for the Reds this weekend would seal their place in Europe’s top competition.
Slott said: “Every game we play has an impact on the league position and we are aware of the fact that this is a huge game, not only against Man United but also to qualify for the Champions League and get the highest possible place in the league position.”
“I can’t say this is a step forward, but it’s the right step. We understand how important it is to qualify for the Champions League.
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Highlights of the Premier League match between Liverpool and Crystal Palace.
“This is an important step. Is it a step forward? It’s not a step backwards, but it’s an important step.”
Carrick says he doesn’t think too much about the impact any result will have on the Premier League standings, but said the possibility of finishing above Liverpool this season shows how far the team has come.
“Being able to come into this match in a good position on the back of some good results shows that the group is improving and getting stronger,” he said.
“We are very aware of the situation in the league and the close margins between the leagues, but that is not our focus.
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Highlights of the Premier League match between Manchester United and Brentford.
“This is a one-off game. They have some good players and won the league last year, and we respect everything involved in the game.
“We’re treating this as a one-off game and that’s how the league is. Sunday is a whole different ballgame.
“It’s a real honor for all of us to be a part of this… These two great football clubs are so close in so many ways in terms of title and geography and to have such an impact at a time like this is very special.”
Watch Man United vs Liverpool live on Sky Sports from 2pm on Super Sunday. Kickoff 3:30pm.
