Manchester United have won just three of their last 19 games against Liverpool in the Premier League. Apart from their dramatic FA Cup quarter-final victory over the Reds in March 2024, their last Premier League victory against Liverpool came way back in August 2022 when Jadon Sancho and Marcus Rashford were on the scoresheet.

Having beaten Liverpool at Anfield earlier this season, Manchester United could complete their first league double over Liverpool in 10 years with a win at Old Trafford today.

That would be delivered by both Ruben Amorim and Michael Carrick. Amorim delivered perhaps the best result of his ill-fated tenure when United won 2-1 at Anfield earlier this season.

Judgement day beckons for Arne Slot. Not directly on Sunday, even if Liverpool and Manchester United can always judge themselves against each other and a showdown at Old Trafford provides an easy opportunity for a comparison between teams who were separated by 42 points last season.

It may not even relate to Slot’s employers, with the sense he will remain at Anfield for next season.

Speculation has swirled around Slot but Liverpool have not generated it or given indications they are considering a change. If many of the fanbase came to a definitive conclusion about a title-winning manager months ago, perhaps after a run of nine defeats in 12, and if the Dutchman refused to complain, saying it is up to others to determine if he is harshly judged, there is one verdict which is still to be delivered. His own.

Liverpool are looking at wingers they feel would create chances for Alexander Isak as they try to find a replacement for Mohamed Salah and discover a solution to their biggest buy’s lack of goals.

Isak had a prolific partnership at St James’ Park with Jacob Murphy in 2024-25, with the Swede scoring seven goals that were assisted by the right-footed right winger.

In comparison, Salah is left-footed and likes to come infield and shoot, while Arne Slot suggested Liverpool are missing the delivery from the right flank of Trent Alexander-Arnold, who joined Real Madrid last year.

Liverpool have won three of their last five visits to Old Trafford, including a 3-0 victory early in last season’s title-winning campaign. That was Arne Slot’s first statement result as Liverpool boss, and it spelled the end for Erik ten Hag.

Mohamed Salah scored an incredible 16 goals in 18 appearances against Manchester United, including his last five appearances at Old Trafford. But injury rules the Egyptian out today, denying him a last appearance against Liverpool’s rivals in his last season at Anfield.

Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes moved to 19 Premier League assists for the season with his pass to Benjamin Sesko in the win over Brentford on Monday. The Portuguese is now level with Mesut Ozil and one behind Thierry Henry and Kevin De Bruyne’s record of 20 in a season, with four games to go.

Both Manchester United and Liverpool seem to have their place in next season’s Champions League wrapped up. Brentford’s win over West Ham yesterday keeps it mathematically open for now, but it appears to be a certainty that both Manchester United and Liverpool will make it. Today’s game, then, should be more about next season and the futures of Michael Carrick and Arne Slot.

• 3) Manchester United | Pts: 61, GD: +14
• 4) Liverpool | Pts: 58, GD: +13
• 5) Aston Villa | Pts: 58, GD: +5
• 6) Brentford | Pts: 51, GD: +6

Liverpool finished 14 places above Manchester United last season, with twice as many points; 84 to 42. Now, aided by the uplift Michael Carrick has engendered, United are on course to finish ahead of their rivals. Victory on Sunday would not make it mathematically certain, but would render it very probable.

• 3) Manchester United | Pts: 61, GD: +14
• 4) Liverpool | Pts: 58, GD: +13

Michael Carrick can look the most laidback man to occupy the Manchester United technical area for decades, but there are moments when it is apparent that, beneath the calm veneer, there lies a competitor. The mere mention of Liverpool had Carrick savouring a fixture he had graced. Perhaps he cast his mind back to the best part of two decades, to midfield battles with Steven Gerrard, Javier Mascherano and Xabi Alonso.

The smile may have been a sign that a debutant to this fixture as a manager had more wins than defeats as a United player, 13 to eight. But as a footballer and coach, few have been involved in more meetings of English football’s two most successful clubs. “Certainly one of my favourite games, without doubt,” said Carrick. “It’s a standout game.”

Michael Carrick has won more Premier League points than any other manager since his first game in charge, with nine wins in his first 13 matches. That includes victories against Manchester City and Arsenal, and another big Old Trafford win against Liverpool today would certainly help his chances of getting the job full-time next season.