Michael Carrick has delivered glowing praise for Liverpool ahead of Sunday's crucial encounter at Old Trafford, describing matches against the Reds as among his absolute favourites in football.

The United head coach spoke with genuine admiration when discussing the fixture, acknowledging the special nature of this rivalry between English football's two most successful clubs. His comments come as both sides prepare for a clash that could define their respective seasons.

"One of my favourite games, without doubt," Carrick admitted on Friday. "It's a stand-out 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."

For Liverpool, victory would see them leapfrog United into third place and significantly strengthen their position in the race for Champions League qualification. United, meanwhile, can seal their own Champions League berth with three points, making Sunday's encounter absolutely pivotal for both clubs.

The contrast in workload between the two sides tells its own story. This will be Liverpool's 54th match of an exhausting campaign, whilst United will be playing just their 37th game of the season. The hosts have benefited from having no European commitments and early exits from both domestic cup competitions.

Carrick acknowledged the mammoth task facing his side, particularly given Liverpool's status as the outgoing Premier League champions. "They're a good team, they won the league year," he said. "We're treating it as a one-off game and the league position is what it is."

United finished a staggering 42 points behind Arne Slot's Liverpool last season, though they've enjoyed a markedly improved campaign this time around. They're now eyeing their first league double over Liverpool in a decade, having already secured victory in the reverse fixture.

"It shows the improvements of the group and getting stronger to be coming into this game in such a good position," Carrick reflected. "We're fully aware of the situation in the league and how close it is."

On the injury front, United remain uncertain about Matheus Cunha's availability after the forward missed Monday's 2-1 win over Brentford with a hip problem. "Matheus has done a little bit of work, we are not sure but hopeful," Carrick revealed.

Luke Shaw should be available despite limping off against Brentford, though centre-back Matthijs de Ligt remains sidelined alongside the suspended Lisandro Martinez. "Matthijs is not involved but other than that we are in good shape," the United boss confirmed.

Carrick's respect for this fixture extends beyond the immediate stakes, touching on the deeper significance of a rivalry that has defined English football for generations. Sunday's match will be the 218th meeting between these two giants, and the United head coach clearly understands the weight of that history.

"We get wound up with what's going on week to week but to sustain a level of performance for each football club... there is a way of doing it, what the standards look like, what it means, what are the behaviours and what we stand for as a football club," he explained.

"Two incredible football clubs who are so close in terms of titles, geographical. To have such an impact over such a period of time it is quite special and we all appreciate that."

It's refreshing to hear such genuine appreciation from across the divide, particularly when so much hangs in the balance. Sunday's encounter promises to be another chapter worthy of this storied rivalry.