Old Trafford hosts a tightly poised Premier League meeting this Sunday as Manchester United and Liverpool prepare for their 246th fixture. The sides arrive separated by three points. United beat Liverpool 2–1 at Anfield in October, while Arne Slot’s debut at Old Trafford produced a 3–0 win for Liverpool last term.

The contest may come down to individual battles. First is the duel around Bruno Fernandes. Ryan Gravenberch was the recipient of last season’s Premier League Young Player of the Season award, but it is Bruno Fernandes who now appears set to define this campaign. After his 19th assist of the term in Monday’s win over Brentford, one off matching the all-time division record for a single campaign, United’s skipper is the front-runner to win the league’s Player of the Season for 2025/26. He has eight Premier League goals and a league-high 114 chances created. Stopping Fernandes would tilt the game firmly in Liverpool’s favour. That is the task for Gravenberch, supported by Alexis Mac Allister in Liverpool’s double pivot. Gravenberch struggled to contain Fernandes in the reverse fixture at Anfield, where he was hooked after an hour; Fernandes created three chances, grabbing an assist and managing 12 passes into the final third.

The second key matchup is Dominik Szoboszlai against Casemiro. Szoboszlai has been Liverpool’s standout performer, winning five of the club’s eight Player of the Month awards and contributing 12 goals and nine assists in all competitions. With Hugo Ekitiké missing through injury and Mohamed Salah also out, more creative responsibility will fall to Szoboszlai. Casemiro will be charged with shackling Liverpool’s No. 8. While noted for timely attacking contributions this season, Casemiro’s return to his defensive best and Kobbie Mainoo’s reintegration have enabled him to concentrate on stopping opponents.

Finally, Alexander Isak seeks late redemption in a difficult debut season. A mixture of expectation and injury has limited him, but after his fourth Liverpool goal in last weekend’s victory over Crystal Palace, he has a few more chances to contribute. A strong performance at Old Trafford would offer a welcome confidence boost.

Michael Carrick has described his Manchester United squad as “good shape” ahead of Sunday’s visit from a depleted Liverpool, but there are several fitness questions to monitor before kick-off.

United arrive on the back of back-to-back wins after succumbing at home to Leeds United and sit on the brink of Champions League qualification. Carrick has been credited with igniting a stuttering campaign, although he cannot take any credit for Man Utd’s rare triumph at Anfield last October, as Ruben Amorim oversaw the Red Devils’ first victory on the red half of Merseyside since 2016.

Despite the positive run, the hosts are not entirely without concerns. Left-back Luke Shaw has been the club’s most used outfield player this season, starting every Premier League game and leading the team for minutes played. Shaw rebuilt his career after a double leg fracture a decade ago and has avoided long absences this season, but he picked up a muscle injury against Brentford and was forced off in the second half of Monday night’s win. Carrick gave a cautious assessment: “With Luke [Shaw], we aren’t sure if he will be ready, but we are hopeful,” the Man Utd boss said.

Matheus Cunha has enjoyed a productive debut season for United with 10 Premier League goal contributions and match-winning moments against Chelsea and Arsenal. The forward, who often operates from the left and drifts infield, was a surprise absentee on Monday as he dealt with a hip flexor issue. The concern was tempered by Carrick’s update: “Matheus [Cunha] has done a little bit of work, so we are hopeful,” Carrick said ahead of Sunday’s game.

Defensive options are further limited. Matthijs de Ligt has not featured since late November and is managing a back issue while continuing recovery at Carrington; his return date is unclear and his World Cup prospects have been put into doubt. Lisandro Martínez is confirmed unavailable this weekend after a combination of injury and a suspension left him with only sporadic appearances over the past couple of months despite an early partnership with Harry Maguire under Carrick.

Carrick and his staff will need clarity on those players before finalising their derby selection.

Mason Mount insisted Manchester United possess the mentality and the talent to mount a genuine challenge for the Premier League, describing a club in better shape than many expect.

“I have a goal of winning the Premier League,” Mount said. “I’ve won the Champions League already, but can we do that? Yes, I think we can as a group.

“It may seem a little bit far away, but you have to have that mentality to really push yourself as a group. We’ve shown what we can do against the big teams already this season: Man City, Liverpool, Chelsea, Arsenal.”

United recorded victories over Man City, Liverpool and Arsenal this season, and beat Chelsea twice under the management of both Ruben Amorim and Michael Carrick. Those results have helped reshape the narrative at Old Trafford after a stuttering start under Amorim.

That early inconsistency left United out of the Premier League title race, but the squad’s revival under Carrick has all but secured Champions League football in 2026–27, offering a tangible reward for the turnaround.

“Yeah, I think we have the quality,” Mount said of the team’s chances of hoisting silverware in the near future. “We haven’t had loads of games this season, so maybe it’s been easier. Next season we have a lot more games, but that’s what you want as a player. That’s what you want as a big club.

“You need big games: Old Trafford, Champions League under the lights, having that pressure of performing and winning games. It’s so important, and that’s what we love as players. The fans deserve it.”

Mount, who was speaking after hosting a Make-A-Wish experience for 11 children at St George’s Park, joined Manchester United in 2023–24. The 27-year-old has made 69 appearances for the club, scoring seven goals, and says he is focused on fitness and a larger role next season.

“Hopefully, I can be a massive part of [a title charge] moving forward next season,” Mount continued. “There are going to be a lot more games next season. I will always back myself. I know what I’m about and know what I can bring, especially to the group. I’m a bit older now, I’ve got more experience.”

United have confirmed Carrick as interim boss through the end of the season. Carrick is the favourite to keep the post after strong results with a squad that struggled under Amorim. Mount admitted he does not know what will happen over Carrick’s future but offered praise for the manager.