Manchester United host Liverpool at Old Trafford on May 3, 2026, in one of English football's biggest rivalries and a fixture carrying major importance in the race for Champions League qualification.
Michael Carrick's United enter the match third in the Premier League with 61 points from 34 games, three points ahead of fourth-placed Liverpool. United need only two more points to mathematically guarantee a top-five finish and their return to the Champions League, meaning victory over Liverpool would complete the job. Liverpool, meanwhile, are level on 58 points with fifth-placed Aston Villa and still have work to do to secure their own place in Europe's top competition.
United arrive after consecutive victories over Chelsea and Brentford, while Liverpool have won three Premier League matches in succession. The rivalry therefore brings together two teams in positive form, although Arne Slot must cope without Mohamed Salah and several other injured players.
Manchester United vs Liverpool: Last 10 Competitive Meetings
Across the 10 competitive meetings immediately before May 3, 2026, the record stands at:
Manchester United wins: 3
Liverpool wins: 4
Draws: 3
Manchester United goals: 12
Liverpool goals: 28
Total goals: 40
Average goals per match: 4.0
The previous 10 competitive meetings were:
Liverpool 1-2 Manchester United — October 19, 2025, Premier League
Liverpool 2-2 Manchester United — January 5, 2025, Premier League
Manchester United 0-3 Liverpool — September 1, 2024, Premier League
Manchester United 2-2 Liverpool — April 7, 2024, Premier League
Manchester United 4-3 Liverpool — March 17, 2024, FA Cup
Liverpool 0-0 Manchester United — December 17, 2023, Premier League
Liverpool 7-0 Manchester United — March 5, 2023, Premier League
Manchester United 2-1 Liverpool — August 22, 2022, Premier League
Liverpool 4-0 Manchester United — April 19, 2022, Premier League
Manchester United 0-5 Liverpool — October 24, 2021, Premier League
Liverpool therefore have the stronger record across the previous 10 competitive encounters, although United have won three and avoided defeat in three others. The unusually high total of 40 goals is heavily influenced by Liverpool's 7-0, 5-0 and 4-0 victories, as well as United's dramatic 4-3 FA Cup win in 2024.
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United Won the Reverse Fixture at Anfield
The most recent meeting came at Anfield on October 19, 2025, when Manchester United won 2-1. Bryan Mbeumo gave United an extremely early lead before Cody Gakpo equalised for Liverpool late in the second half. Harry Maguire then headed home the winner in the 84th minute, giving United their first league victory at Anfield since January 2016.
That victory came under Ruben Amorim, but United have since undergone another managerial change and enter the return fixture looking considerably stronger under Carrick. A win on Sunday would also give United a league double over Liverpool for the first time in a decade.
Old Trafford Has Produced Dramatic Meetings
Liverpool's recent record at Old Trafford contains some unforgettable extremes. Their 5-0 Premier League victory in October 2021 remains one of the most damaging home defeats United have suffered in the modern rivalry, with Salah scoring a hat-trick. But United have also enjoyed significant victories in Manchester.
They beat Liverpool 2-1 in the Premier League in August 2022 before producing one of the most dramatic games in recent FA Cup history in March 2024. United won that quarter-final 4-3 after extra time, with Amad Diallo scoring the decisive goal deep into the additional period. That mixture of heavy defeats, late winners and high-scoring contests means recent history offers little reason to expect a quiet afternoon at Old Trafford.
Manchester United Are Close to Champions League Qualification
The transformation in United's league position under Carrick has been one of the major stories of the second half of the season. Carrick took temporary charge after Ruben Amorim's departure and quickly improved United's results, including major victories against Manchester City and Arsenal during his opening weeks.
United now sit third with 61 points and are only two points away from mathematically securing Champions League qualification. Their latest victory came against Brentford on April 27. United won 2-1 at Old Trafford, with Casemiro playing a major role as Carrick's side strengthened their grip on a top-five position. Sunday therefore provides United with the opportunity to secure their primary objective in the most satisfying way possible: by defeating Liverpool.
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Bruno Fernandes Is Driving United's Revival
Bruno Fernandes remains the creative centre of Carrick's team. The United captain entered the closing weeks of the season as the Premier League's leading assist provider and moved on to 19 assists with his contribution in the victory over Brentford, leaving him just one short of the long-standing single-season record shared by Thierry Henry and Kevin De Bruyne.
His form since Carrick's arrival has been particularly influential. As of April 29, Fernandes had produced 15 Premier League goal involvements in 2026, more than any other player in the division during the calendar year. Against Liverpool, Fernandes will be important both in open play and from set pieces. Liverpool are likely to press aggressively through midfield, so United need their captain to find spaces behind that first wave and release Mbeumo, Amad or Benjamin Šeško quickly.
Kobbie Mainoo Has Regained a Major Role
One of Carrick's most important decisions has been restoring Kobbie Mainoo to the heart of United's midfield. Mainoo had started 12 of Carrick's first 13 Premier League matches in charge before the Liverpool fixture, missing only one through injury. He also signed a new five-year contract shortly before this match.
His partnership with Casemiro gives United a useful balance. Casemiro provides physicality, experience and a set-piece threat, while Mainoo is comfortable receiving possession under pressure and carrying the ball beyond opponents. That midfield battle will be especially important against Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai.
Benjamin Šeško Gives United a Central Threat
Šeško provides United with a physical focal point capable of stretching Liverpool's defensive line. The Slovenian has been among United's leading scorers during their improved run under Carrick and gives the team an option both when building patiently and when attacking directly.
His pace behind the defence could be particularly important against Liverpool's tendency to defend high. If Fernandes or Mainoo can play through Liverpool's pressure, Šeško should find opportunities to attack the space behind Virgil van Dijk and the rest of Slot's back line.
Matheus Cunha Could Return
United received encouraging injury news regarding Matheus Cunha. Cunha missed the 2-1 victory over Brentford because of a hip flexor problem but returned to light training before Liverpool's visit. Carrick said on May 1 that United were hopeful he could be involved.
His return would significantly increase United's attacking options. Cunha offers creativity, direct running and the ability to operate either centrally or from a wider starting position. If fully fit, he could start. If not, Carrick has Mbeumo, Amad and Mason Mount among his alternatives.
Lisandro Martínez Is Suspended
United's biggest problems remain in defence. Lisandro Martínez will miss the Liverpool match while serving the final game of a three-match suspension. Matthijs de Ligt is also unavailable with his back problem, with Carrick confirming that the Dutch defender was still not close enough to return.
That leaves United without two important centre-backs against a Liverpool attack that still possesses considerable quality despite Salah's absence. Leny Yoro had returned to the squad by the Brentford game, while Harry Maguire and Ayden Heaven provide Carrick with additional options.
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Luke Shaw Is a Fitness Question
Luke Shaw also required assessment after being substituted against Brentford. Carrick said before the Liverpool game that United were hopeful regarding Shaw, but his availability was not completely certain. If Shaw can play, his experience could be particularly useful against Liverpool's attacking movement. If not, Carrick may need another defensive adjustment at a time when his centre-back options are already limited.
Liverpool Enter After Three Straight League Wins
Liverpool travel to Old Trafford having rediscovered some momentum. Slot's side have won three Premier League matches in succession, with their latest victory coming 3-1 against Crystal Palace on April 25. Alexander Isak, Andy Robertson and Florian Wirtz scored in the Palace victory as Liverpool moved onto 58 points and strengthened their Champions League position.
That result followed a dramatic 2-1 Merseyside derby victory over Everton, when Virgil van Dijk scored deep into stoppage time. Liverpool therefore arrive in better form than the original suggestion of an inconsistent final run might indicate. The problem is that their injury list has continued to grow.
Mohamed Salah Is Ruled Out
The biggest absence is Mohamed Salah. Salah suffered a muscle problem during Liverpool's victory over Crystal Palace and has been ruled out of the Manchester United game. Slot said on May 1 that the injury was less serious than initially feared and that Liverpool expected Salah to return before the end of the season.
His absence is particularly significant in this fixture. Salah has historically enjoyed an outstanding scoring record against United, including a hat-trick in the 5-0 Old Trafford victory in 2021. Liverpool must now replace not only his goals but also the attention he normally attracts from United's defence.
Alexander Isak Can Lead Liverpool's Attack
With Salah unavailable and Hugo Ekitike also sidelined, Alexander Isak is expected to carry greater responsibility. The Swedish striker returned to the scoresheet against Crystal Palace, scoring his first goal after a lengthy injury interruption.
Isak's movement could cause particular problems for United's reshuffled defence. He can drop away from the centre-backs to connect attacks, but he is equally dangerous attacking the spaces between defenders. Liverpool will want Wirtz, Gakpo and Szoboszlai close enough to him to prevent Isak becoming isolated.
Florian Wirtz Is Another Major Threat
Wirtz also scored against Crystal Palace and gives Liverpool the technical quality to create through central areas. His ability to receive between the lines will test United's midfield positioning, particularly if Casemiro and Mainoo are drawn forward by Liverpool's buildup.
Slot can use Wirtz centrally or allow him to drift into wider spaces. That movement may be especially important without Salah because Liverpool lose one of their most natural one-on-one threats on the right.
Liverpool's Goalkeeping Crisis Continues
Liverpool's injury problems extend into goal. Alisson Becker has missed the previous seven matches, and Slot confirmed before the United game that he had not yet returned to team training. Although the Brazilian was close, Liverpool were unwilling to take unnecessary risks.
Second-choice goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili is also unavailable, leaving Freddie Woodman in position to continue in goal. Woodman started Liverpool's 3-1 victory over Crystal Palace. Facing Fernandes' set pieces and United's physical presence around the penalty area will represent another demanding test.
Liverpool Have Several Long-Term Absentees
Slot is also without Hugo Ekitike, Conor Bradley, Wataru Endo, Stefan Bajcetic and Giovanni Leoni, all of whom remain long-term absentees. Left-back Milos Kerkez had also been managing a minor issue after leaving training earlier in the week, although Slot expected him to return to training before the match. Liverpool therefore travel to Manchester with significant depth problems, particularly in attack and goal.
Tactical Matchup: United's Transitions Against Liverpool's Control
Carrick's United have become more balanced since his appointment. They can build through Mainoo and Fernandes, but they are equally comfortable attacking quickly when opponents commit players forward. That makes Liverpool's defensive positioning particularly important.
United will look to:
use Fernandes between Liverpool's midfield and defence;
release Mbeumo and Amad quickly after turnovers;
attack the space behind Liverpool's high defensive line;
involve Šeško physically against the centre-backs;
exploit set pieces;
prevent Isak and Wirtz from receiving comfortably through the middle.
Liverpool's approach should involve more sustained possession. Without Salah, Slot may need Wirtz and Gakpo to take greater responsibility for progressing the ball into dangerous areas while Isak provides movement ahead of them.
Liverpool Must Protect Against Bruno Fernandes
Containing Fernandes should be one of Liverpool's main tactical priorities. United's captain had already reached 19 Premier League assists before this fixture and has consistently punished opponents who allow him time around the final third.
Liverpool may use Mac Allister and Szoboszlai to restrict the spaces around him, but pressing too aggressively creates another problem. If Fernandes escapes that pressure, United have enough speed ahead of him to immediately threaten Liverpool's defence. The visitors therefore need to find the correct balance between stopping him and maintaining protection behind midfield.
Set Pieces Could Be Important
Set pieces could also influence the game. Casemiro remains a major aerial target for United, while Maguire and Šeško provide additional height. Liverpool can respond with Van Dijk and Ibrahima Konaté, but the absence of Alisson removes one of Europe's strongest goalkeepers when dealing with crosses.
Fernandes' delivery gives United another reason to attack corners and free kicks aggressively. Liverpool, meanwhile, can threaten through Van Dijk if they win dead-ball situations around United's penalty area.
Manchester United vs Liverpool: Who Has the Advantage?
Manchester United enter with several reasons for confidence. They have home advantage, sit three points above Liverpool and have already beaten Slot's side at Anfield this season. Victory would also mathematically confirm their return to the Champions League.
Liverpool, however, cannot be dismissed. They have won three league matches in succession and hold the stronger record across the previous 10 competitive meetings, with four victories compared with United's three.
The major concern for Liverpool is availability. Salah is definitely out, Alisson has not returned to team training, and Ekitike remains among several long-term absentees. United have defensive problems of their own, with Martínez suspended and De Ligt unavailable.
That combination creates the potential for chances at both ends. United should have greater confidence at Old Trafford under Carrick, while Liverpool still possess enough attacking quality through Isak, Wirtz, Gakpo and Szoboszlai to punish defensive errors. For Manchester United, victory would secure Champions League football and complete a league double over their biggest rivals.
For Liverpool, three points would take them level with United and provide a major boost in their own qualification battle. With both clubs chasing the same European objective and neither defence at full strength, the May 3 meeting at Old Trafford has all the ingredients for another intense chapter in one of English football's defining rivalries.