- Michael Carrick has stabilised Manchester United’s season by reverting to a more pragmatic 4-2-3-1 system.
- Liverpool are more measured under Arne Slot, but they have enough talent to hurt United in transition.
- Manchester United have won two of their last three home games, Liverpool have won one of their last two away games.
Carrick’s United look good value at Old Trafford
Michael Carrick has brought calm and stability to Manchester United’s top-flight campaign and his side look good to beat Arne Slot’s Liverpool in Sunday’s heavyweight Northwest Derby. This Manchester United vs Liverpool prediction reflects the recent improvements in United's play and tactical discipline.
United’s form has been strong since the World Cup, with the Red Devils winning three, drawing one and losing just one of their five Premier League matches. The 20-time English champions recorded a gritty 1-0 away win at Chelsea and a 2-1 victory at home to Brentford in their two most recent assignments.
Carrick has instilled a more measured approach upon his players by reverting to a 4-2-3-1 system and removing the physical demands of constant pressing - and it is working. Bruno Fernandes has been the creative engine for this United side, providing a staggering 19 assists in 31 league games and five in the last five, while Benjamin Sesko leads the front line with 10 PL goals in 29 appearances.
Casemiro, meanwhile, has chipped in with three goals in his last five appearances to add bite to United’s midfield.
Slot has added control to Liverpool’s play
Liverpool have also won their last three, beating Everton 2-1 in the Merseyside Derby before claiming a comfortable 3-1 victory at home to Crystal Palace. For the Manchester United vs Liverpool preview, it's important to note that both teams enter this fixture in excellent shape.
Slot’s side have been more selective in their pressing since he took charge in July 2024 and his system has brought some structure to Liverpool’s build-up play and central overloads. The Reds are a danger on the counter, where they have pace and power in abundance, but they are now a measured team that can control the pace of games.
Hugo Ekitike is Liverpool’s top goalscorer with 11 in 28 league appearances, but the Reds average 1.47 goals per away game and concede 1.53, so they are dangerous going forward and vulnerable at the back.
Big game should be a exciting affair
Manchester United are third in the table on 61 points from 34 games, while Liverpool are fourth on 58 after the same number of fixtures. With the Champions League places and bragging rights on the line, our Manchester United vs Liverpool prediction suggests this clash should be a tough, but also exciting, matchup.
United have not won any of their last three at Old Trafford against Liverpool, but they beat the Merseyside club 2-1 away in the most recent clash six months ago. For those interested in the betting angle, this Manchester United vs Liverpool betting tips section highlights the value in backing a home win and goals in the match.
Both teams are in good form and with a lot to play for, so we can expect goals and action at both ends. A home win looks likely, however, and Carrick’s men are offered at a good price of 2.41 to do just that. The Manchester United vs Liverpool prediction also takes into account the attacking threat from both teams, so take Over 2.5 goals at 1.44 and Both sides to score at 1.4 as well.
