Man Utd face Liverpool in the Premier League on Sunday and Michael Carrick is hopeful one player can return to the matchday squad.
Manchester United are hopeful Matheus Cunha will be back in the squad against Liverpool on Sunday after he returned to training at Carrington this week.
The Brazilian missed Monday’s win against Brentford at Old Trafford with a sore hip flexor, but he is back in with a chance of returning to the side for what is always a huge game.
Luke Shaw also limped out of the win against the Bees that moved United to within one win of a return to the Champions League. Carrick didn’t offer an update on the left-back but did say the squad was in good shape, with Matthijs de Ligt the only ongoing absentee with a back problem.
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“Matheus has done a little bit of work so we’re hopeful. We’re not sure, but we’re hopeful. Mata still a bit further and not involved in the game,” said Carrick.
The 44-year-old will be taking charge of his first United game against Liverpool, with his side hunting a Premier League double against Arne Slot’s side after a 2-1 win at Anfield earlier in the season.
Carrick is looking forward to the occasion and said as a player it was always the first game he would look out for and one he loved to play in. This contest is third vs fourth heading into the weekend, with United holding a three-point advantage.
“One of my favourite games, without doubt,” he said. “It’s a standout 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.
“It shows the improvements of the group and getting stronger to be coming into this game in such a good position. We’re fully aware of the situation in the league and how close it is. It’s a one-off game, they’re a good team, they won the league this [last] year. We’re treating it as a one-off game and the league position is what it is.”
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