Michael Carrick claims Manchester United have all eyes on bitter rivals Liverpool ahead of Sunday’s grudge match – even with a daunting European battle against Olympiakos just three days later.
Despite the clubs having completely differing fortunes this season United veteran Carrick has claimed that his side’s poor league position is irrelevant going into the fixture.
Carrick, who has been a mainstay at the heart of the Red Devils’ midfield, knows the importance of victory against in the North West derby.
The 32-year-old told MUTV: “It’s Liverpool next and that’s a big one. Regardless of where both teams are in the league it’s an important fixture.
“In recent times, with this rivalry, we’ve been on top of them in the league and it’s the other way around at the moment. But I don’t think league places affect the game.”
English football’s two most successful clubs will take to the field at Old Trafford and for the first time in many years Brendan Rodgers’ Liverpool side will be as favourites.
The England midfielder said: “It’s a big month ahead, we’re well aware of that.
“We’d say if we’re top of the table that form goes out of the window against Liverpool, it counts for very little, and that’s the case now. It should be a good game and we’re all looking forward to it.”
Manchester United’s European hopes hang in the balance after a dismal 2-0 defeat in Athens left them on the brink of a Champions League exit.
Olympiakos will be aiming to protect their two-goal advantage when they visit Manchester next week.
But after recording a convincing 3-0 victory at West Bromwich, which followed a strong 2-0 win over against Crystal Palace, Carrick will hope his team can take momentum from their league form into the clash.
As well as securing all three points in the midlands, United’s overall performance appeared much improved as they displayed plenty of promise going forward, playing free-flowing football.
The Old Trafford outfit have already lost to Liverpool in the league this season and another defeat would add to struggling manager David Moyes’ woes.
The Scotsman’s side currently sit in sixth place in the Premier League 11 points behind rivals Liverpool who are placed second, on goal difference.
However, United will draw confidence from the fact they have already conquered their rivals at Old Trafford this season pulling off a 1-0 victory, in the Capital One Cup.
The battle between the footballing heavyweights rarely disappoints and a victory on Sunday for the home side will go a long way in silencing Moyes’ critics.
Image courtesy of Andrea Sartorati with thanks
