As English football's two most successful clubs prepare to meet at Old Trafford, the question arises: is the Manchester United-Liverpool rivalry still 'special' if they rarely peak at the same time? Michael Carrick, the United interim manager, has no doubts.
Carrick's Perspective on the Rivalry
Michael Carrick, known for his calm demeanor, showed a competitive edge when discussing Liverpool. Reflecting on his midfield battles with Steven Gerrard, Javier Mascherano, and Xabi Alonso, Carrick smiled. As a player, he won 13 of his meetings against Liverpool, losing eight. Now, as a manager making his debut in this fixture, he brings that experience.
"Certainly one of my favourite games, without doubt," said Carrick. "It's a standout game. There are big games and big rivalries with other teams, but this one is right up there in history, the ups and downs, the excitement, entertainment, and emotion. It makes it a really special game."
Has the Rivalry Been Superseded?
There is a question whether this rivalry has been overtaken. When United dominated, clashes with Arsenal or Chelsea took precedence. More recently, the Manchester derby has grown, and for Liverpool, matches against Manchester City—especially during the Jurgen Klopp vs. Pep Guardiola era—have been the toughest.
United and Liverpool share 40 league titles and nine European Cups, but they are rarely at their peak together. Carrick played for United when they won five titles under Ferguson, while Liverpool won none. Yet, he notes: "Irrespective of league positions over the years, it's never really changed the feeling of the game and the emotion. It's about what it means to the supporters."
Recent Form and League Positions
Last season, Liverpool finished 14 places above United, with 84 points to United's 42. This season, under Carrick's uplift, United are on course to finish ahead. Victory on Sunday would make it very probable, though not mathematically certain.
Carrick downplays the league context: "I'm fully aware of the situation, but that's not something we've focused on. It's a one-off game. They have terrific players, a good team, they won the league last year. We respect that. Sunday is a whole different ball game."
Amorim's Legacy and Carrick's Record
Ruben Amorim's reign saw United lose to many sides but not Liverpool. After a 3-0 defeat at Old Trafford last season under Erik ten Hag, Amorim's United drew 2-2 at Anfield and won 2-1 in October. Despite historic lows, finishing ahead of Liverpool would be a credit to Amorim.
Carrick has experienced both highs and lows in this fixture. He played in United teams that did the league double over Liverpool, but also suffered defeats like the 3-0 under David Moyes in 2014 or the 4-1 in 2009. He was on Jose Mourinho's coaching staff when a 3-1 loss at Anfield in 2018 ended Mourinho's tenure. A win on Sunday could strengthen Carrick's case to become permanent manager.
The Special Nature of the Rivalry
Carrick sees this as a one-off game within a historic rivalry. "It's a real privilege for all of us to be involved in it," he said. "That's the beauty of football. We get wound up week to week, but to sustain a level of performance over time, and the standards, behaviours, and what you stand for—these are two incredible clubs. To be so close in titles and geographically, and to have such an impact for so long, is quite special."
