While he wasn't completely certain, the interim did say that "we’re hopeful [he'll be involved], but not sure" in regards to Cunha featuring against Liverpool. Other than De Ligt, Carrick says that everyone else is available.
The former midfielder says that he has been "hugely impressed" with current midfielder and academy product Mainoo after he signed a new five-year contract yesterday. The interim is "over the moon" with this deal.
Carrick feels that it was about understanding where Mainoo was at in terms of his ups and downs before he arrived which helped him give Mainoo a platform to thrive.
On the match against Liverpool, Carrick says that this is "certainly one of my favourite games" and that this is right up there in terms of the rivalries with other clubs. The emotion remains regardless of league position and that it means a lot to supporters.
"We are treating it as a one-off game."
With the prospect of United finishing above Liverpool, Carrick says that it is a testament to how far this group of players have come. While league position is good, the United interim says that that is not what they're focusing on.
Carrick was also very praising of Casemiro pointing out that to be playing at the level he is at 34-years-old, deserves a lot of credit.
Final Thoughts
I'm really happy with the Mainoo contract. I think he deserves it but we also deserve to see more of him in a United shirt. He's got too much potential to risk him playing well elsewhere.
Everybody who speaks about Mainoo is like Carrick, 'hugely impressed' because the abilities he has at such a young age shows his qualities.
You can read more of what I said regarding Mainoo's new deal and my overall thoughts about him here.
It is a big game. The biggest of the lot. It means so much to so many people and Sunday will be no different.
I'm not really too fussed about finishing above them. Obviously it would be great but the main aim was to qualify for the Champions League. Whether we finish 3rd, 4th or 5th, doesn't matter to me as long as we get in.
Perhaps this is what Carrick means when he sayd that this 'is not what they're focusing on.'
You can read my preview here.
Look, I'm not going to be too harsh here but I don't think there's been improvements to a point where I feel confident in this group. To an extent, yes, there's been growth since Carrick joined but I feel all he did was revert to something that feels... familiar.
Counter-attacking football in a 4-2-3-1. Bruno as no 10, Mainoo in midfield. Wait for moments and set-pieces. That's literally what they were doing under Ole and Carrick as his assitant.
Michael Carrick | Creator: Carl Recine | Credit: Getty Images Copyright: 2026 Getty Images via Goal