- Manchester United face Liverpool
- Three players Carrick needs to be at their best
- A draw confirms Champions League qualification
Manchester United face Liverpool on Sunday, and Champions League qualification is within touching distance. Michael Carrick will expect his players to step up for the heavyweight clash.
The last month of the Premier League season begins, and the first clash of May is against rivals, Liverpool. Ahead of the game, Michael Carrick’s men come off two victories. The side ended April with a 2-1 win over Brentford, with goals from Casemiro and Benjamin Sesko. Before that, the Red Devils claimed a narrow 1-0 victory over Chelsea, with Matheus Cunha netting the decisive goal.
As responsibility spreads through the squad, Carrick will look to his big players to rise and secure a double over the visitors.
Kobbie Mainoo
Kobbie Mainoo has been one of the most dependable players for Carrick. With the English midfielder signing a new five-year contract, the club have made clear he is the future. After a standout performance against Chelsea in a 1-0 win last weekend, similar expectations will follow against Arne Slot’s Reds.
With the academy graduate now cementing his place in the squad, this game takes on added significance. He has thrived under Carrick and has been part of the team’s massive resurgence since January. The Liverpool game marks his most important outing to date, with the 21-year-old needing to prove his reliability in both build-up and defensive solidity.
Benjamin Sesko
After three quiet games since the Aston Villa goal in March, Benjamin Sesko has found his spark again. The Slovenian, who scored the winner in the 2-1 win against Brentford, is now in double figures. This makes him his side’s top scorer with 10 goals. United’s attackers, unfortunately, have not taken headlines in recent games with Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes running the show.
With Bryan Mbeumo struggling for form, the burden now falls on the 22-year-old to continue to step up. The fixture against Slot’s side is an opportunity for the attacker to show his worth in front of the Old Trafford faithful. The real test lies in how he manages up against Virgil van Dijk.
That’s if the former RB Leipzig frontman is available for the game. Reports suggest he is a doubt, along with Luke Shaw.
Senne Lammens
Having arrived in Manchester without a big reputation, Senne Lammens has quickly become one of the best goalkeepers in the top flight. Over the last few months, the Belgian has been building a name for himself, and his display against Brentford showcased Lammens at his best, delivering remarkable saves.
Since January, he might only have kept four clean sheets, but he has been impressive. He has the perfect mix of composure, calm, and class. The 23-year-old has a 66% save percentage per 90. The absence of Mohamed Salah and the season-ending injury to Hugo Ekitike could significantly lessen Liverpool’s attacking threat for the keeper. A first back-to-back clean sheet in United colours is now within reach.
