Michael Carrick wants Manchester United’s players to embrace the edge, emotion and excitement that comes with facing Liverpool as the rivals prepare for battle on Sunday.
All eyes will be on Old Trafford as the Red Devils look for a victory that would seal Champions League qualification irrespective of what else happens in the Premier League this weekend.
But United want bragging rights as well as a return to Europe’s top table, with October’s 2-1 victory at Anfield meaning they have the chance to do the league double over Liverpool for the first time since 2015/16.
Asked what he thinks about these encounters, the club’s former midfielder turned head coach Carrick said: “I think it’s just that edge and that competition, really.
“Irrespective of league positions over the years and who’s been on top at certain times or whatever, it’s never really changed the feeling of the game and the emotion of the supporters.
“It’s about really appreciating what it means to the supporters.
“We have to do that and it’s just a special game to be part of and obviously to come out on top is one of the best feelings you’ll get.”
United have endured some dark days against Liverpool in recent seasons and this time last year were 43 points worse off than Arne Slot’s Premier League champions.
But Carrick has helped the Red Devils rise during a challenging campaign for the Anfield outfit, meaning the third-placed hosts enter this weekend three points and a place better off than the visitors.
“I think it shows the big improvement as a group really and getting stronger,” Carrick said.
“To be coming into this game in such a good position, on the back of good results and trying to achieve, moving forward.
“I’m fully aware of the situation in the league and how close it is between us, but that’s not something we’re really focused on going into this game.
“I think it’s a one-off game. They’ve got terrific players, they’re a good team and they won the league last year.
“We obviously respect everything that goes into the game. We’re treating it as that: as a one-off game. The league position is what it is, but Sunday is a whole different ball game.”
Carrick is a looking forward to a “standout” fixture in which Lisandro Martinez will complete a three-match ban, while fellow centre-back Matthijs de Ligt remains absent due to an ongoing back issue.
Luke Shaw seems set to shake off a knock that saw him taken off in the second half of Monday’s 2-1 win against Brentford – a match Matheus Cunha missed with a hip complaint.
“Matheus has done a little bit of work, so we’re hopeful,” Carrick said of the Brazil international’s chances of facing Liverpool. “We’re not sure but we’re hopeful.
“Obviously, Matta is still a little bit further. He’s not involved in the game, but, other than that, we’re in good shape.”
