Manchester United 'hopeful' injured Matheus Cunha can feature against Liverpool

United interim boss Michael Carrick said the club is 'hopeful' Cunha will be able to play against Liverpool -Credit:Vince Mignott/MB Media/Getty Images

"Matheus has done a little bit of work so we're hopeful. We're not sure, but we're hopeful. Mata still a bit further and not involved in the game," said Carrick, via the Manchester Evening News.

The 44-year-old will be overseeing his first United game against Liverpool, with his squad targeting a Premier League double over Arne Slot's side following a 2-1 victory at Anfield earlier this season.

Carrick is relishing the occasion, recalling that as a player it was always the first game he would seek out and a match he cherished competing in.

Heading into the weekend, the contest is a third-versus-fourth showdown, with United holding a three-point cushion.

"One of my favourite games, without doubt," he said. "It's a standout game, there are big games and big rivalries we have with other teams but this is right up there. The history, ups and downs, excitement, entertainment and emotion makes it a really special game.

"It shows the improvements of the group and getting stronger to be coming into this game in such a good position. We're fully aware of the situation in the league and how close it is. It's a one-off game, they're a good team, they won the league this [last] year. We're treating it as a one-off game and the league position is what it is."