Carrick: This feels like a one-off game

Our head coach spent 12 years in the Reds' midfield and has been among the coaching staff when we have faced our fiercest adversaries in the past.

After watching our 2-1 win at Anfield, as a pundit in a TV studio in London, this time he will be much closer to proceedings, as he looks to mastermind completing the double over Arne Slot's men.

Even forgetting the importance of the contest in the context of the battle for league positions, with United third and Liverpool three points and one place behind us, there is no doubting the anticipation for what will unfold in the 218th meeting of the clubs, from 15:30 BST on Sunday.

"The interest, the amount of eyes that will be on the game on Sunday, it is kind of mind-boggling, when you think about it. It's a special game for so many reasons so I'm massively, massively looking forward to it.

"We want to keep improving," he added. "There is work to do. We want to finish higher up the league so nothing is done. Nothing will be done after the weekend.

"We've got to keep pushing and want to finish the season stronger to move into next season, to give the boys the chance to go on and have successes. So I'm looking forwards to the game. It'll be tight, it'll be exciting, I'm sure, in certain moments.

"We've got to be ready for that. It does have the feel of a one-off game. We're in a really good position going into the game. The boys are in good form and confident and I'm really excited going into the game. Certainly, a strong finish to the season will help us moving forward."

In terms of the team news for the big game, United are hopefully going to be able to include Luke Shaw, Patrick Chinazaekpere Dorgu and Matheus Cunha in the matchday squad.

Liverpool are without Mohamed Salah and have doubts over Alisson and Milos Kerkez.

"It was great to have Patrick back last week. The squad is in a good place for a strong finish, hopefully."