Michael Carrick to make two big changes vs Liverpool as £17m Man Utd ace starts

Manchester United interim manager Michael Carrick could make two big changes to the starting line-up for the Premier League derby against Liverpool at Old Trafford on Sunday.

The Red Devils picked up a second-straight league win after a 2-1 victory over Brentford at Old Trafford. Casemiro opened the scoring with a trademark header before Benjamin Sesko doubled the club’s first-half lead.

Brentford were poor with their finishing over the course of 90 minutes but managed a consolation goal from Mathias Jensen’s long-range strike. With the result, United are on 61 points for the season with four games left.

United could qualify for the Champions League without playing if Bournemouth and Brighton & Hove Albion fail to win their respective matches, which are scheduled before the North-West derby.

Regardless, Carrick will want a strong showing against Arne Slot’s side. The 44-year-old has already boosted his managerial credentials, and a victory over United’s arch-rivals could put him on the brink of permanent appointment.

Ahead of the game, Carrick could make a couple of changes to the starting XI. Matheus Cunha has returned to full training after a sore hip concern, and he could be drafted straight into the line-up ahead of an out-of-form Amad.

Amad started on the left wing in Cunha’s absence on Monday night. The Ivory Coast international squandered a clear-cut chance early on. He had another brilliant opportunity to score but found himself way offside before converting.

The former Atalanta man has not made a goal contribution since the turn of the year and could be dropped to the bench. The other change could happen in the left-back position after Luke Shaw suffered an injury scare against the Bees.

The Englishman was substituted in the 73rd minute with an apparent knock. Shaw has been ever-present for the Red Devils with 34 league starts this term, but Carrick could contemplate a change at left-back if he is not deemed fully fit for the derby.

Carrick should provide a clear update on Shaw’s fitness in tomorrow’s presser. We anticipate a change with Noussair Mazraoui coming into the XI as a makeshift left-back. The £17 million signing could make his third start in four appearances.

Stats from Transfermarkt.com

Article written by Sri Aswin .