As the countdown to Sunday's blockbuster clash ticks away, Manchester United interim boss Michael Carrick has offered a glimmer of hope for fans eager to see their star man back in action. With kick-off set for 3:30 PM at Old Trafford, the Red Devils are chasing their first league double over Liverpool in a decade—a feat that would taste even sweeter against their fiercest rivals.
Carrick confirmed that Brazilian forward Matheus Cunha is "hopeful" to return after missing last week's win over Brentford with a groin issue. The injury, picked up during United's tense encounter with Chelsea, forced him to sit out, but he's been back on the training pitch this week. Given that Cunha scored the lone goal in that Chelsea clash—a moment of magic at Stamford Bridge—he'll be itching to add to his tally before the season wraps up later this month.
On the defensive front, Carrick expects Luke Shaw to be available despite an early substitution against Brentford on Monday night. The left-back, who has started every Premier League game this season, needed treatment for a knock before being replaced by Leny Yoro in the 73rd minute. His remarkable streak of consistency hangs in the balance, but all signs point to him lining up against Liverpool's attack. Meanwhile, Matthijs de Ligt remains on the sidelines, having been out since late November.
Turning to the visitors, Liverpool boss Arne Slot faces a selection headache of his own. Star winger Mohamed Salah is ruled out after pulling up with a hamstring injury last weekend. It's a cruel twist for the Egyptian, whose last appearance against United came in Liverpool's 2-1 win at Anfield back in October 2025. Joining him on the injury list are Alisson Becker, Conor Bradley, Hugo Ekitike, Wataru Endo, Milos Kerkez, and Giorgi Mamardashvili—a significant blow to Slot's plans.
With both sides dealing with key absences, Sunday's showdown promises high drama. Will United's hopeful returns tip the balance, or can Liverpool overcome their injury woes to spoil the party at Old Trafford? The stage is set for a classic.