It appears United could benefit from the potential return of Cunha, who missed the game against Brentford with a hip injury. Carrick was spotted training earlier this week and hinted he could feature on Sunday. Luke Shaw also limped off the win against the Bees, which took United one win away from a return to the Champions League.
Carrick did not provide any updates on his defenders, but said his squad was in good shape, with Matthijs de Ligt the only player missing due to a back problem.
“Mateus has done a little bit of work so we are looking forward to it,” the United manager said. “I’m not sure, but I’m hopeful. Mata (de Ligt) is still a little further away and is not involved in the game. We are in a good place.”
Carrick will be in charge for United for the first time against Liverpool and is looking forward to the opportunity. He said that as a player, it was always the first game he looked for when the schedule was announced at the beginning of each season.
“It’s definitely one of my favorite games,” he added. “This is an outstanding game, there are big games and big rivalries with other teams, but this is just at that level.
“The history, the ups and downs, the excitement, the entertainment and the emotion is what makes this match really special. This shows that the group has grown and is even stronger to be in such a good position going into this match.”
“We are very aware of the situation in the league and how close it is. This is a one-shot game. They are a good team and won the league this year (last year). We are treating this as a one-off game and the league standings are what they are.”
“I’m very impressed with Coby. I’ve known him for quite a while,” he said. “He embodies this football club, he lives and breathes this football club, he has come through the academy and we are all over the moon, including myself.
“Like any player, I had to communicate and get understanding about his ups and downs. We just let him grow. He’s always grown and grown in confidence and belief. We just gave him that platform.”
“There’s a lot more to come. He’s in a great position. I want him to be here for a long time with a successful team. That has to be the goal. It’s not easy. The football club also needs to be in a good position to move forward.”
