Carrick: United Have Made ‘Great Strides’ Since Last Season’s 15th-Place Finish

Carrick hails Man Utd vs Liverpool as ‘standout’ fixture ahead of Old Trafford clash

Michael Carrick praised the club’s progress since finishing 15th last year, 42 points behind champions Liverpool.

Kobbie Mainoo signed a new five-year contract and has been key since Carrick restored him to the first team in January...

Manchester United manager Michael Carrick says the clash with Liverpool remains a “standout” fixture, even with neither side in the Premier League title race this year.

  

England’s joint-most successful clubs, both on 20 league titles, meet at Old Trafford on Sunday. Both are on course to qualify for next season’s Champions League.

It's a big one ⚔️🔥 pic.twitter.com/romPvjYPfe

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) April 30, 2026

United sit third, three points ahead of Liverpool, with the top five guaranteed a spot in Europe’s premier competition next term.

“Certainly one of my favourite games, without doubt it's a standout game,” said United boss Carrick.

“There's big games and big rivalries that we have with other teams, but certainly this one is right up there.

“The history, the ups and downs the past has produced in these types of games and the excitement and entertainment, and the emotion, which is a huge part of it. It makes it a really special game.”

The former United midfielder said the club has come a long way from last season, when it finished 15th and ended 42 points behind title-winners Liverpool.

“I just think this probably shows the improvements of the group, really, and getting stronger,” he said.

“And to be coming into this game in such a good position, on the back of good results, and trying to achieve and move forward.

"He epitomises this football club." 🇾🇪

Michael shared his reaction to Kobbie's big news, in this afternoon's #PL press conference 💬

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) May 1, 2026

“So, fully aware of the situation in the league and how close it is between us. But that's not something, really, we've focused on going into this game. I think it's a one-off game.”

Carrick said the club was “over the moon” after Kobbie Mainoo put pen to paper on a new five-year deal this week.

The 21-year-old England midfielder lost his place under former manager Ruben Amorim, but returned to the starting lineup when Carrick took charge in January and has been important to United’s turnaround.

Kobbie Mainoo, forever United ✍️❤️

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) April 30, 2026