Key Facts
- Under Michael Carrick, Manchester United is on track for the Champions League with ten points from their last four league games; a win would all but seal their return.
- Liverpool travels without Mohamed Salah, goalkeeper Alisson, and Wataru Endo—three absences that weaken the attack, defense, and squad depth simultaneously.
- At least three goals were scored in each of the last five head-to-head matches; Liverpool scored in all of these games—the rivalry tends to produce open, high-scoring encounters.
- Carrick has won nine of his 13 games as head coach; with Bruno Fernandes as the playmaker and Benjamin Sesko as a reliable finisher, United has a clear attacking axis.
- United has scored in five consecutive league matches, while Liverpool has conceded goals in four of its last five games—this points toward a bet on over 2.5 goals.
- Liverpool has recently secured three consecutive league wins, but the gaps in their defensive structure and squad depth significantly reduce the team’s margin for error.
Liverpool must face Sunday’s derby at Old Trafford without Mohamed Salah and Alisson, which comes at a particularly inopportune time for Arne Slot. Under Michael Carrick, Manchester United is in the midst of a remarkable comeback, and another win would virtually seal their return to the Champions League. Liverpool, on the other hand, is fighting to salvage a season that has so far yielded no titles. At least the visitors are coming off three straight league wins, while United last won at Anfield 2-1 back in October 2025. Ten points from their last four league games underscore the home side’s momentum. With a three-point lead over Liverpool and level on points with Slot’s team, this derby carries both immediate stakes and the weight of a long history.
- Venue: Old Trafford, Manchester
- Date and time: May 3, 2026, 4:30 p.m.
- Competition: Premier League (Matchday 35)
While the bookmakers see United as only slight favorites, the stronger betting trend clearly points toward a home win. Liverpool’s absences of Salah and Alisson play a role here, as does the fact that Bruno Fernandes and Benjamin Sesko provide a clear axis for Carrick’s attack. Over 2.5 goals also has merit, as United have scored in five consecutive league matches and Liverpool have conceded in four of their last five games.
Manchester United Form & Record Check
The recent 2-1 win against Brentford wasn’t flawless, but it said a lot about the current mood.
They got off to a good start, with goals from Casemiro and Benjamin Sesko coming at the right time, and the team then had enough control to weather a late wobble. Prior to that, they had already secured a disciplined 1-0 win at Chelsea, so Carrick’s team knows how to pick up points even when their performance isn’t flawless throughout.
Their league form is solid, but not without flaws. The home loss to Leeds showed how vulnerable United can become when the defensive line is stretched, and the 2-2 draw at Bournemouth revealed how quickly control of the game can be lost. Nevertheless, Carrick has won nine of his 13 games as head coach, with Bruno Fernandes setting the tempo and Kobbie Mainoo providing a calming influence in midfield.
Manchester United is likely to line up in a 4-2-3-1 formation again, though this is still a prediction. With Lisandro Martínez suspended, Luke Shaw injured, and Matthijs de Ligt likely not yet ready, the back four in front of Senne Lammens could consist of: Diogo Dalot – 2, Leny Yoro – 15, Harry Maguire – 5, and Noussair Mazraoui – 3, even if Patrick Dorgu is an option again.
In midfield, Casemiro – 18 and Kobbie Mainoo – 37 would likely form the central duo, leaving Bruno Fernandes – 8 to operate behind Benjamin Sesko – 30. Should Matheus Cunha – 10 recover in time from his recent injury, he could line up alongside Bryan Mbeumo – 19 in the front three, though this part of the starting lineup seems even less certain than the fundamental question of the system.
Liverpool Form & Record Check
Liverpool recently defeated Crystal Palace 3-1, securing three consecutive league wins. Alexander Isak opened the scoring, Florian Wirtz added the third goal shortly before the end, and the visitors remain firmly in the race for Champions League spots. Nevertheless, Liverpool conceded chances even in victory and let in another goal.
Liverpool’s final push, however, faces an uphill battle. Defeats against Paris Saint-Germain ended their European campaign, and for the clash at Old Trafford, Wataru Endo will be missing alongside Mohamed Salah and Alisson. While the recent league wins show morale, the margin for error is shrinking as both the squad and defensive structure reach their limits.
Liverpool is likely to stick with their usual 4-2-3-1 formation, though this is more of a prediction than a confirmed lineup. Virgil van Dijk – 4 and Ibrahima Konaté – 5 look set to form the likely center-back pairing, with Ryan Gravenberch – 38 and Alexis Mac Allister – 10 providing balance behind Florian Wirtz – 7.
The key questions arise from the absences. With both Alisson and Giorgi Mamardashvili out injured, Freddie Woodman – 28 is expected to start in goal. Mohamed Salah and Hugo Ekitiké are also out, which is why Federico Chiesa – 14 could get a chance on the right wing and Alexander Isak – 9 is expected to lead the attack. Jeremie Frimpong – 30 offers himself as an offensively strong option at right-back, while Milos Kerkez – 6 is expected to be available.
Manchester United – Liverpool Head-to-Head & Stats
Recent meetings between the two clubs have leaned more toward goals than tactical control. Each of the last five clashes has produced at least three goals, and Liverpool has scored in all five matches. Even when United turned the tide with a 2-1 win at Anfield in October 2025, the home side still conceded a goal, which fits a broader pattern in this fixture.
Liverpool took an early lead in several of these matches and won the first half in three consecutive encounters prior to the October 2025 defeat. United conceded at least one goal in the second half of all five matches during that period. The 2-2 draw in January 2025, as well as Liverpool’s 3-0 victories in September 2024 and the friendly in August 2024, underscore how rarely this rivalry remains quiet over 90 minutes.
