Manchester United host rivals Liverpool in the Premier League at Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon.

United beat Brentford 2-1 on Monday to return to winning ways on home soil, while Liverpool claimed a 3-1 victory over Crystal Palace at Anfield last weekend.

Match preview

United will aim to secure a victory to clinch Champions League qualification. Doing that against a fierce rival would make it more enjoyable.

The Red Devils have collected 10 points from their last six league fixtures — the same as Liverpool within that period.

That said, United have enjoyed a remarkable home form under interim manager Michael Carrick, winning six and losing one out of seven games.

This puts them in good stead to end their two-game winless run at home against the Reds and complete the league double over them since the 2015/16 season.

United could look to exploit the visitors’ defensive frailties, particularly at full-back. They could focus on attacking through the left flank, particularly if Curtis Jones plays at right back for Liverpool.

United’s defensive shape must be rock-solid, with Liverpool accounting for the highest expected goals (xG) from open play in the competition this term.

Liverpool, meanwhile, need five points to secure a Champions League berth, leaving them with more work to do than United heading into the final stretch.

Arne Slot’s side head into this clash with belief, having won their last three league fixtures — their best winning run in the competition since the early stage of the season.

The Merseyside giants have lacked consistency on the road, but have won in three of their last five visits to United in the league.

Having won 3-0 in this fixture last term, Slot could become the first Liverpool manager to win his first two league fixtures at Old Trafford.

Liverpool would be aware of United’s own defensive flaws, with the hosts keeping just four clean sheets in 13 games under Carrick.

Despite ranking second for ball possession in the Premier League this season, the Reds could adopt a cautious approach here to keep United at bay.

Team news

United have been handed an injury boost with forward Matheus Cunha’s return to training. However, Matthijs de Ligt remains sidelined, while Lisandro Martinez is suspended.

Liverpool will be without star forward Mohamed Salah, Wataru Endo, Giovanni Leoni and Conor Bradley, while goalkeeper Alisson Becker is doubtful.

Prediction

We predict a 2-1 win for Man United.

Stats from whoscored.com, liverpoolfc.com & transfermarkt.com

Article written by Henry Thornton .

Manchester United are preparing to welcome arch-rivals Liverpool at Old Trafford in the Premier League this weekend.

It is a high-stakes encounter for both sides, with United just one win away from sealing qualification for the UEFA Champions League.

Liverpool are trailing the Red Devils but their chances of finishing in the top five have been boosted by Chelsea’s downfall.

United stunned Liverpool at Anfield earlier this season, ending a nine-year wait for victory on that ground.

They now have the chance to complete a rare league double over their arch-rivals and hand supporters another memorable moment.

One player who must rise to the occasion is Bryan Mbeumo.

Mbeumo exploded out of the blocks this season, racing to 10 goals by February.

Nine of those strikes came in the Premier League, underlining his importance in the final third.

He also made an electric start under interim boss Michael Carrick, scoring decisive goals against Manchester City, Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur in his first four matches.

At that point, it seemed inevitable that Mbeumo would become the first United player to reach double figures in the league this campaign.

However, the narrative has shifted dramatically over the past three months.
The 26-year-old is now enduring a frustrating drought in front of goal.

He has featured in all nine games during this barren spell but has failed to score.

Meanwhile, Benjamin Sesko has surged ahead, netting his 10th league goal against Brentford, while Casemiro has climbed to nine.

Matheus Cunha and Bruno Fernandes are also closing in with eight goals each.

With just four games remaining, United will be desperate for Mbeumo to rediscover his scoring touch.

And what better stage to do it than against Liverpool under the lights at Old Trafford?

Stats from Transfermarkt.com

Article written by Sanidhya Bhardwaj .

Manchester United are exploring a move for Real Madrid midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni as they aim to replace Casemiro this summer, according to Sport (page 16).

The Red Devils are poised to reinforce the defensive midfield department this summer. The club have already confirmed that Casemiro will depart when his contract expires on June 30.

There is a possibility that Manuel Ugarte could be shown the exit door, too. The Uruguayan has played second fiddle to Casemiro this term, and United are open to cutting their losses on him.

Amidst this, Sport claim that the Red Devils are ‘interested in signing’ Tchouameni. They recruited Casemiro from Madrid four years ago and plan to repeat the feat with the Frenchman.

However, the operation is ‘far from easy’ to complete, given that Tchouameni is an integral part of Los Blancos’ starting plans. The La Liga giants would be reluctant to part ways with him.

Tchouameni story could be agent-driven

The 26-year-old has been a mainstay in the heart of Madrid’s midfield since his initial £68 million move from AS Monaco in the summer of 2022.

He has made 29 appearances in the current La Liga season, with a passing accuracy of 92 percent.

Tchouameni has won an impressive 69 percent of his duels with four recoveries, two tackles and two clearances per outing. He has lost possession six times per game.

His statistics are among the best in the world for the number six role. United legend Rio Ferdinand recently described him as ‘majestic‘, given his superb progress at Madrid.

Tchouameni would be an instant upgrade to replace Casemiro, but the big question is whether the player is pushing for a summer move or if the speculation is agent-driven.

The World Cup finalist has another two years remaining on his contract, and his representative could be using United’s interest to secure an improved deal at Los Blancos.

Keeping that in mind, his compatriot Eduardo Camavinga could emerge as a more realistic target for United, given he has been a regular on the bench in recent months.

The former Rennes ace has averaged less than 60 minutes per league game during his time at Madrid, and he has often been played out of position due to Tchouameni’s presence.

Camavinga may want to establish himself as an out-and-out holding midfielder. That seems unlikely to happen at Madrid, who are eyeing another marquee addition in the position this summer.

Hence, United could capitalise on the uncertainty to land his signature from Madrid instead. At 23, Camavinga is just entering the prime of his career and has a much higher ceiling.

Madrid signed him for around £34m from Rennes five years ago. A package in the region of £50m could be sufficient to prise the Frenchman away from the La Liga heavyweights.

Stats from Transfermarkt.com & Sofascore.com

Article written by Sri Aswin .

Manchester United are gearing up for a blockbuster showdown against Liverpool in the Premier League on Sunday.

The Red Devils are just one win away from securing their coveted return to the UEFA Champions League.

Liverpool have endured an underwhelming and embarrassing title defence but remain firmly in the hunt for a top-five finish.

It is a clash between two English giants and here we take a look at a combined XI based on current form and player availability this season.

Player Ratings

Senne Lammens

Alisson Becker would have been our first choice but Liverpool manager Arne Slot suggested that there are still doubts over the availability of the Brazilian.

That opens the door for Senne Lammens to claim the gloves for this star-studded side.

Defence

Dominik Szoboszlai, Harry Maguire, Virgil Van Dijk, Luke Shaw

Szoboszlai is naturally a gifted midfielder, but his versatility has seen him feature more than 10 times at right-back this season.

Maguire has been in sensational form in 2026. He is arguably the best penalty-box defender in the Premier League.

Van Dijk earns his place largely due to the lack of elite alternatives, with Lisandro Martinez missing out through suspension.

Milos Kerkez has endured a difficult debut season on Merseyside, making Shaw the clear choice at left-back.

Midfield

Casemiro, Kobbie Mainoo, Bruno Fernandes

Szoboszlai is far too talented to ignore completely, but he still cannot break up the balanced partnership of Casemiro and Mainoo in midfield.

Fernandes has arguably been the best attacking midfielder in Europe this season and would captain this formidable XI.

Any suggestions of Florian Wirtz replacing him are both amusing and illogical.

Attack

Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha, Benjamin Sesko

Mohamed Salah would have been our pick at right wing but his injury absence paves the way for Bryan Mbeumo.

The same applies to Hugo Ekitike, who may not play again in 2026. Sesko has now scored 10 goals this season, and after his match-winning strike against Brentford, he leads the line in this combined side.

Cunha missed the previous encounter, but returned to team training yesterday. Cody Gakpo was a good alternative but Cunha brings way more fight and determination to this team.

Stats from Transfermarkt.com

Article written by Sanidhya Bhardwaj .

Manchester United officially confirmed on Thursday that Kobbie Mainoo has extended his contract with the club.

The 21-year-old has been rewarded with a significant salary rise as part of a new five-year deal.

Mainoo has now revealed that Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes have played a key role in shaping his development.

He told ManUtd.com: “Before every game, when we go around and shake everyone’s hand while we’re on the pitch, Casemiro will say, ‘let’s have fun. Let’s enjoy football.’ You know, that’s what it is, isn’t it?

“It’s been huge for me because I’ve learned so much off [Casemiro]. Him and Bruno, to be fair.”

Dream mentors for any youngster

Mainoo had been one of the lowest earners at United, a figure that hardly reflected his growing importance to the first team.

It was a difficult start to the 2025–26 season for the young midfielder, as former manager Ruben Amorim surprisingly overlooked him.

Mainoo did not start a single Premier League match under Amorim during the first half of the campaign.

Everything changed when interim head coach Michael Carrick placed his trust in the youngster.

The 21-year-old has started 12 of the 13 games under Carrick, missing only the Leeds United clash due to injury.

His last two performances (against Chelsea and Brentford) have been nothing short of sensational.

Mainoo could hardly have asked for better mentors than Casemiro and Fernandes.

Fernandes is arguably the finest attacking midfielder in Europe right now, with his relentless drive and passion setting the standard for the next generation.

Casemiro is the embodiment of a serial winner, boasting an incredible trophy haul that includes five UEFA Champions League titles.

Despite his decorated career, his response to being dropped was to work even harder in training and fight his way back into the starting XI.

Fernandes and Casemiro are mentality monsters and key pillars of the squad.

With Casemiro expected to depart at the end of the season, the responsibility will soon fall on Mainoo to step up alongside Fernandes and help guide United back to the summit.

Article written by Sanidhya Bhardwaj .

Manchester United have identified West Ham United left-back El Hadji Malick Diouf as a target for the summer transfer window, according to The Guardian.

The Red Devils are expected to prioritise the defensive midfield department this summer, considering Casemiro is on his way out when his contract expires on June 30.

They plan to bring in two holding midfielders, with Sandro Tonali and Elliot Anderson leading the shortlist. It is claimed that a new left-back could be signed if they can save funds after those signings.

Patrick Dorgu has been more successful as a wide attacking player for United, and The Guardian claim that his future could be higher up if United land a new left-back to compete with Shaw.

Diouf has now emerged as a target for the position after a fine debut campaign with West Ham.

United could make a surprise move for Diouf

The 21-year-old signed for the Hammers from Slavia Prague for £19 million last summer. He had a mixed start to the season, but he has improved defensively after adapting to the league’s intensity.

He has won four duels per game alongside four recoveries and four clearances. The Senegal international has made 1.4 tackles per outing and has also impressed with his pacey overlapping runs.

Diouf has chipped in with five assists for the Hammers from 28 league appearances. He still needs to improve with his distribution, but that should happen when he joins a more possession-based side.

The Hammers are the second-lowest in the league this campaign with just 42.5 percent possession.

West Ham are ‘aware’ of United’s interest in signing Diouf but have not set an asking price. We believe they could demand close to £40m if they manage to beat the Premier League drop.

However, the scenario could be different if they get relegated to the Championship. In that case, United could seek to land his services for a knockdown price, possibly in the region of £30m.

Diouf would be a good understudy for Shaw before replacing him in the XI in the long term. Shaw’s contract at United expires next year, but there is a 12-month option. No renewal talks have been held.

Stats from Transfermarkt, FBref & Sofascore

Article written by Sri Aswin .

Manchester United are exploring the prospect of signing Barcelona left-back Alejandro Balde during the summer transfer window, according to Spanish outlet Sport.

The Red Devils have had Luke Shaw as the regular choice from the left-back position over the last few months. He has shown exceptional fitness levels despite his past injury record.

However, United are aware that they need a quality competitor in the squad, given the risk of potential injuries when the club play significantly more games next season.

United will play a maximum of 40 matches this campaign, but that number could rise to 60 or more if they go deep in multiple competitions next season, including in Europe.

Patrick Dorgu was signed as a left wing-back under former manager Ruben Amorim, but the Dane looks more comfortable as a winger. His future could be higher up the pitch.

Sport now claim that United would be willing to explore the possibility of signing Balde if he were to open the door to a transfer from Barcelona during the next transfer window.

Barcelona are open to parting ways with the talented left-back, who has a contract until June 2028, considering he has been in and out of the XI under manager Hansi Flick this year.

The club are planning to sign Cancelo permanently after his loan from Al-Hilal this summer, and they are also planning to pursue another marquee left-back for the 2026/27 season.

The La Liga champions could be tempted to sanction Balde’s sale for around £43 million.

Balde’s injury record is a potential warning sign for United

The 22-year-old is undoubtedly one of the best young left-backs in European football, but he has picked up multiple short-term muscle injuries during the past few years at the Blaugrana.

This has hampered his development with the Catalan giants to the point that the club seem prepared to part ways with his services to recoup funds for marquee signings this summer.

Balde’s statistics are pretty good this season. He has completed 92 percent of his passes, while winning almost 60 percent of his duels. He has made four recoveries and one tackle per outing.

His forward output has not been that great, with just three goal contributions in 38 appearances.

Balde would be a good competitor to Shaw for the left-back slot, but his injury record should concern United. He has already missed 10 matches in the current season due to two muscle injuries.

It was a similar theme during the 2024/25 season. United previously signed Mason Mount from Chelsea with an injury record, and the Englishman has continued to struggle with his fitness in recent years.

Hence, we would personally avoid a move for Balde in the next transfer window. United are also keen on West Ham United’s El Hadji Malick Diouf, who would present a much better acquisition.

He could be available for a similar transfer fee from the Hammers. The 21-year-old has had a fine debut season with five assists from 28 games and has been ever-present when available for selection.

Diouf could also be signed for a knockdown fee if Nuno Santo’s side are relegated from the top-flight.

Stats from Transfermarkt.com & Sofascore.com

Article written by Sri Aswin .

Manchester United interim manager Michael Carrick could make two big changes to the starting line-up for the Premier League derby against Liverpool at Old Trafford on Sunday.

The Red Devils picked up a second-straight league win after a 2-1 victory over Brentford at Old Trafford. Casemiro opened the scoring with a trademark header before Benjamin Sesko doubled the club’s first-half lead.

Brentford were poor with their finishing over the course of 90 minutes but managed a consolation goal from Mathias Jensen’s long-range strike. With the result, United are on 61 points for the season with four games left.

United could qualify for the Champions League without playing if Bournemouth and Brighton & Hove Albion fail to win their respective matches, which are scheduled before the North-West derby.

Regardless, Carrick will want a strong showing against Arne Slot’s side. The 44-year-old has already boosted his managerial credentials, and a victory over United’s arch-rivals could put him on the brink of permanent appointment.

Ahead of the game, Carrick could make a couple of changes to the starting XI. Matheus Cunha has returned to full training after a sore hip concern, and he could be drafted straight into the line-up ahead of an out-of-form Amad.

Amad started on the left wing in Cunha’s absence on Monday night. The Ivory Coast international squandered a clear-cut chance early on. He had another brilliant opportunity to score but found himself way offside before converting.

The former Atalanta man has not made a goal contribution since the turn of the year and could be dropped to the bench. The other change could happen in the left-back position after Luke Shaw suffered an injury scare against the Bees.

The Englishman was substituted in the 73rd minute with an apparent knock. Shaw has been ever-present for the Red Devils with 34 league starts this term, but Carrick could contemplate a change at left-back if he is not deemed fully fit for the derby.

Carrick should provide a clear update on Shaw’s fitness in tomorrow’s presser. We anticipate a change with Noussair Mazraoui coming into the XI as a makeshift left-back. The £17 million signing could make his third start in four appearances.

Stats from Transfermarkt.com

Article written by Sri Aswin .

Manchester United have been linked with Lille midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi as they prepare to bolster their midfield options this summer.

According to journalist Abdellah Boulma, United have stepped up their interest in Bouaddi. They are ready to meet his agents and are considering using Sir Alex Ferguson to convince him to join the club.

The 18-year-old is also being monitored by Arsenal, Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain, highlighting the level of competition United could face for his signing.

PSG have presented their project to him, but Lille President Olivier Letang reportedly wants more than €50 million for his services.

Bouaddi broke into Lille’s first team in 2023, but only became a regular last term. He has made 34 starts across all competitions for the French side this season.

The France youth international is a defensive midfielder, making him a potential replacement for the departing Casemiro.

How does Bouaddi compare to Casemiro this season?

Bouaddi is more dominant in duels, ranking in the 74th percentile for duels won in Ligue 1, compared to Casemiro’s 67th percentile in the Premier League.

However, the Brazilian is a more prolific ball winner, placing in the 99th percentile for possession won, higher than the French youngster’s 79th percentile.

Bouaddi ranks higher than Casemiro for progressive carries (46th percentile vs 8th), but the United midfielder comes top for progressive passes (86th percentile vs 23rd).

Casemiro also offers a better attacking threat, providing 11 league goal involvements, while Bouaddi has one.

Bouaddi is still light-years behind Casemiro. As a result, United have to explore better alternatives to replace the Brazil international.

Eduardo Camavinga would be a perfect target, with the Frenchman facing an uncertain future at Real Madrid.

Stats from datamb.com & transfermarkt.com

Article written by Henry Thornton .

Manchester United have received a timely boost ahead of their star-studded Premier League clash with Liverpool on Sunday.

Man United have confirmed that Matheus Cunha took part in group training on Thursday.

The Brazilian had been ruled out of the Brentford clash earlier this week due to a sore hip flexor.

His imminent return could prove pivotal, with the Red Devils just one win away from sealing a return to the UEFA Champions League.

Cunha has been in scintillating form of late, registering four goal contributions in his last six appearances.

The 26-year-old arrived at Old Trafford from Wolverhampton Wanderers last summer and has quickly made his mark.

He has already tallied eight goals and two assists in 30 Premier League outings this season.

Cunha operated in a more central role under former manager Ruben Amorim but has since been shifted to the left flank by interim head coach Michael Carrick.

While not a natural winger, he has still managed to deliver a strong attacking impact.

His close control and dribbling ability often go under the radar, while his relentless drive to beat defenders makes him a constant threat.

Carrick must plan to instantly reintegrate the 26-year-old into the starting XI against the Merseyside outfit.

Amad Diallo was handed the nod on the left wing against Brentford but squandered three gilt-edged chances.

He was withdrawn at half-time, prompting Carrick to switch to a back-three system in search of control.

Patrick Dorgu could also feature from the bench after being fit enough to return to the matchday squad last Monday.

Stats from Fotmob.com

Article written by Sanidhya Bhardwaj .