OLD TRAFFORD, MANCHESTER — Manchester United will host Liverpool in a Premier League match at Old Trafford on Sunday, May 3, with kickoff scheduled for 3:30pm BST (14:30 GMT). United sit third in the Premier League table, three points ahead of Liverpool, and need two more points to secure a top-five finish and qualify for next season's Champions League.

Caretaker manager Michael Carrick, who took charge of United following Ruben Amorim's dismissal, oversaw a 2-1 win over Brentford on the Monday before the fixture. Liverpool have won their last three Premier League matches heading into the meeting.

"Certainly one of my favourite games, without doubt it's a standout game. There's big games and big rivalries that we have with other teams, but certainly this one is right up there." Carrick said. "The history, the ups and downs the past has produced in these types of games and the excitement and entertainment, and the emotion, which is a huge part of it. It makes it a really special game."

Carrick said United were aware of the league standings but had not focused on them. "So, fully aware of the situation in the league and how close it is between us. But that's not something, really, we've focused on going into this game. I think it's a one-off game." he said. "I just think this probably shows the improvements of the group, really, and getting stronger. And to be coming into this game in such a good position, on the back of good results, and trying to achieve and moving forward."

Bruno Fernandes is one assist away from the single-season record of 20 assists, a mark shared by Thierry Henry and Kevin De Bruyne. "He's had a big season. He deserves it for the impact he has had and the moments he's created, whether it's creating or scoring or having other influence within the group. Hopefully he does [win it]," he said.

Mohamed Salah, who is set to leave Liverpool at the end of the season, will miss the match due to a muscle injury sustained when he was forced off during Liverpool's 3-1 win over Crystal Palace last week. Liverpool manager Arne Slot said the issue was less serious than initially feared.

"We expect him to be back for the final part of the season but not for Sunday [against Man Utd]." Slot said. "In all ways, it is a big relief that his injury is minor, so he is able to play for us and at the World Cup. If ever there was a player that deserves a big send-off, it is definitely Mo."

Slot also addressed the upcoming fixture. "We are aware of the fact that it is a very big game, not only because we play United but also to qualify for Champions League and to get the highest possible position in the league table," he said. "We always know that they are really good but now they are showing it in the league table."

United and Liverpool have met 243 times in all competitions, with United winning 92, Liverpool winning 82, and 71 ending in draws. In October 2025, Harry Maguire scored an 84th-minute header to give United a 2-1 win at Anfield — their first victory there since 2016 — after Bryan Mbeumo had opened the scoring in the second minute and Cody Gakpo equalised in the 78th minute.

Matheus Cunha has returned to training after a recent injury setback and should feature, while Matthijs de Ligt will not be involved as he works his way back to full fitness. For Liverpool, Freddie Woodman will continue in goal, with Alisson Becker still out injured. Conor Bradley, Giovanni Leoni and Hugo Ekitike are unavailable through injury, and Milos Kerkez is a doubt due to a knock.