Michael Carrick believes Manchester United facing Liverpool is always a "standout" game, and one of his favourites.

While neither team are challenging for the Premier League title this season, they are both fighting for Champions League qualification for next term.

United sit third heading into the weekend, three points better off than Liverpool, and knowing a win would secure their place in UEFA's premier competition.

United and Liverpool are England's two most successful clubs, with 20 top-flight titles apiece, and have entertained with their rivalry across the years.

Carrick played his part in plenty during his 12-year playing career at Old Trafford, and though no silverware is on the line this Sunday, he does not think that takes away any of the spotlight on the fixture.

"Certainly, one of my favourite games, without doubt it's a standout game," said 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."

Pushing towards Sunday pic.twitter.com/0H2xyNfd6M

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) May 1, 2026

Last season, United finished 15th in the Premier League, 42 points behind champions Liverpool.

This term has seen a marked improvement, especially since Carrick replaced Ruben Amorim in January.

Since his first game in charge this season, United have won more points than any other side (29), while Carrick's nine wins in 13 matches (D2 L2) are already more than Amorim managed in his 20 games in 2025-26 (W8 D7 L5).

United have won the third-most home points in the Premier League this season (36) – last season, they were 14th in the home table with 24 points. The Red Devils have won six of their last seven at Old Trafford, losing the other to Leeds United.

"I just think this probably shows the improvements of the group, really, and getting stronger," Carrick added.

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

"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."