Manchester United are aiming to secure Champions League football next season with a win over their fierce rivals Liverpool
Manchester United could secure Champions League football in style this afternoon by beating Liverpool at Old Trafford. The Reds ended their Anfield hoodoo earlier this season with a dramatic 2-1 victory during Ruben Amorim’s tenure. Completing the double with Michael Carrick would strengthen his bid to become the next permanent head coach.
Carrick will be delighted to have mostly everyone available to take on Arne Slot’s team. Lisandro Martinez and Matthijs de Ligt are the only confirmed absentees meaning a decision needs to be made between Ayden Heaven and Leny Yoro. In the Frenchman’s absence, Heaven has performed brilliantly.
However, with Yoro fully fit again and Harry Maguire’s partnership with the 20-year-old already established, the United interim boss is likely to recall the centre-back. Luke Shaw hobbled off during the victory over Brentford but there is no suggestion this was a serious problem and he should be fit to start.
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The midfield picks itself which is a worry for United moving forward. Casemiro has enjoyed a brilliant season and is ending his time at Old Trafford on a high. Kobbie Mainoo’s new contract was well deserved and this is the kind of game he loves to make an impact in.
Ahead of the duo will be captain Bruno Fernandes. The 31-year-old needs just one more assist to level the record of Kevin De Bruyne and Thierry Henry for the most assists in a Premier League season (20). Considering how well he has done for United this campaign, Fernandes deserves that accolade.
Attack is where a few questions remain for the Reds. Matheus Cunha missed the win over Brentford with a sore hip flexor but has since returned to full training.
Carrick did not want to confirm the Brazil international’s availability but, if he is fit, he should return to the starting line-up. He was the matchwinner at Chelsea before his injury and his four goal contributions (two goals and two assists) in his last six appearances make him a big threat.
If Cunha returns, someone will have to make way and the obvious choice is Amad. The Ivorian has struggled in 2026 and his performance against Brentford was not good enough.
A break out of the team could do him the world of good. Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko should complete the starting team.
United predicted XI vs Liverpool: Lammens; Dalot, Yoro, Maguire, Shaw; Casemiro, Mainoo; Mbeumo, Fernandes, Cunha; Sesko
