'A standout game' - Carrick on special Liverpool rivalry

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Three weeks ago, Michael Carrick assessed Manchester United's long-standing rivalry with Leeds from the standpoint of only having played in a match between the two sides once.

He was on far safer ground on Friday.

Carrick played against Liverpool on 25 occasions, winning 13 and losing seven.

He knows first hand how intense the friction is between England's two most successful clubs, which endures irrespective of where they are in the league table.

The prize they are fighting for this season is third spot, with Liverpool knowing they will leapfrog United if they win at Old Trafford.

But Carrick knows the desire for points goes much deeper.

"It is certainly one of my favourite games," he said. "It is a standout game.

"There are big games and big rivalries with other teams, but this one is right up there - the history, the ups and downs, the excitement, entertainment and emotion.

"It is that edge, that competition, irrespective of league positions. It has never really changed the feeling of the game.

"Two incredible clubs, so close to each other in terms of titles and geography."

If Manchester United win, they will move six points clear of Liverpool, confirm their place in next season's Champions League - they will have done that anyway if Brighton and Bournemouth fail to win their weekend fixtures - and complete their first league double over the Anfield outfit since 2015-16.