Liverpool is one last audition for Michael Carrick - beat the old enemy and the job is his

Liverpool is one last audition for Michael Carrick - beat the old enemy and the job is hisAndoni Iraola has been strongly linked with Manchester United as doubts remain about the Old Trafford hierarchy's long-term vision despite Michael Carrick's impact in the dugoutCommentsSportopinionAndy Dunn Chief Sports Writer06:00, 03 May 2026View 3 ImagesMichael Carrick has won nine of his 13 Premier League games this season(Image: Getty Images) In the grand scheme of things, it is probably a fair while since a match between Manchester United and Liverpool carried so little significance. Both teams will qualify for next season’s Champions League but the title race has been a two-horse affair for quite some time. ‌ And the palpable enmity between the two sets of supporters appears to have waned a little in recent times. For Liverpool fans, Manchester City have probably become a more disliked adversary. ‌ The rival supporters won’t be going for a pint together before the match but there is no longer real menace in the atmosphere when these two teams meet. And there is certainly no great menace on the pitch. ‌ Remember that epic moment 11 years ago when Steven Gerrard came on as a second-half substitute at Old Trafford and launched himself at Juan Mata before stamping on Ander Herrera, taking only 38 seconds to earn a red card? No chance of that happening this afternoon, you can be sure of that. READ MORE: Man United 'green light nine exits' in huge overhaul to make way for double transferREAD MORE: Man United vs Liverpool Premier League preview, team news and predictionThe big disputes in the South Cheshire homeland of most of these players probably centre around who pays for dinner. Only joking, obviously. It will be a relatively full-blooded affair in front of an Old Trafford crowd who are enjoying a largely successful, if quiet, end to United’s season. It is nice to win matches but confirming a place in the Champions League hardly sets the pulse racing if your club is steeped in actually winning things. Of course, winning or losing this fixture will still mean a lot to fans and to the players. ‌ But the two men to whom it will mean more will be in the respective technical areas. This is a big game for Michael Carrick and Arne Slot. View 3 ImagesArne Slot has endured a disappointing season but will still be in charge of Liverpool next season(Image: Gareth Copley/Getty Images) Barring humiliation in the remaining four matches, the Dutchman will still be in charge at Anfield next season - and so he should be. His Premier League title win last season should already have assured him of a third year. ‌ But there can be no denying confidence from the fanbase in Slot has ebbed away as the season has worn on. A straw poll of Liverpool supporters inside Old Trafford would likely show the majority are resigned to Slot staying another season but don't necessarily believe it's a good idea. That is why Slot could do with a statement performance against United. In fact, he could do with a statement performance followed by three more wins, as that would take Liverpool to 70 points - one more than Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool amassed when defending their Premier League title in 2020/21. But a victory would be even more important for Carrick. His record of nine wins, two draws and two defeats in his 13 Premier League games in charge should already mean he gets to start next season as United manager. But there are still murmurs around Old Trafford that some senior people at the club believe a bigger, more established name is needed. ‌ View 3 ImagesAndoni Iraola has emerged as a candidate for the long-term Manchester United job(Image: Ryan Pierse, Getty Images) Or that a proven up-and-coming Premier League coach, such as Andoni Iraola, who was more strongly linked with United last week, would be a better option than Carrick. While there continues to be a groundswell of opinion that Carrick will and should get the job, there remain sceptics who keep putting up reasons why he should NOT get the job. He didn’t succeed at Middlesbrough, he’s not charismatic enough, etc, etc. Carrick just keeps chipping away, producing results. But he knows a heavy defeat at home to Liverpool would, rightly or wrongly, change things. ‌ Which is why this match is vitally important to him. With every win, Carrick’s claims to become the long-term manager have become more and more plausible. Win this one, and they become irresistible. Win this one, and the job is surely his. Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. Article continues belowSky Sports, HBO Max, Netflix and Disney+ with Ultimate TV packageThis article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more£44SkyGet the deal hereProduct DescriptionSky has upgraded its Ultimate TV and Sky Sports bundle to now include HBO Max, Netflix, Disney+, discovery+ and Hayu, as well as 135 channels and full Sky coverage of the Premier League and EFL. Sky broadcasts more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more with at least 215 live from the top flight alongside Formula 1, darts and golf.