Manchester United vs. Liverpool: Can United Secure Champions League Qualification at Old Trafford?

In-Form Man United Eye First League Double over Liverpool in a Decade

While there are several fierce rivalries in the Premier League nowadays, few compare to the enduring hostility between Manchester United and Liverpool. Rooted in decades of competition and a relentless battle for supremacy, this is a fixture that has consistently defined English football. 

However, today’s clash at Old Trafford is about more than just pride, as a victory for United will secure their return to the Champions League, while three points for the Reds will see them pull level on 61 points with their Mancunian rivals with just three games left to play this season. 

It’s never a dull affair when England’s most successful top-flight teams collide. Ten of the last 12 encounters between these familiar foes have seen three or more goals scored, and another entertaining matchup is expected here, according to our expert’s Manchester United vs Liverpool prediction. 

For the Red Devils, this fixture carries even more significance than usual. After Brighton dropped points to Newcastle, victory for United will guarantee them a spot among Europe's elite after a two-season absence, while a point could still be enough if Bournemouth beats Crystal Palace earlier in the day. 

Man United will enter this match with confidence owing to their remarkable upturn in form since Michael Carrick took charge in January. Since his return to the helm, United have earned more points than any other side in the top flight, amassing an impressive total of 29. 

However, despite their incredible turnaround under Carrick, beating the Reds is certainly not a given, as Arne Slot’s side arrive at Old Trafford riding a wave of momentum, having won their last three EPL matches against Fulham, Everton, and most recently, Palace last weekend. 

The Merseysiders thumped United under Eric ten Hag at this venue 3-0 last season, thanks to strikes from Luis Diaz (2) and Mohamed Salah (1). However, the Red Devils returned the favour with a 2-1 win at Anfield in this season's reverse fixture and are now eyeing their first league double over Liverpool since 2015-16. 

Man United vs. Liverpool: Last 5 Head-to-Head Results (Premier League)

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Player Focus: Isak Out? Fernandes Going For Premier League Record

The biggest talking point in the lead-up to kickoff is the breaking reports suggesting that Liverpool are set to be without Alexander Isak, who has been dealt yet another injury setback after sustaining a groin strain during training earlier this week. 

The Swede has spent the majority of the season on the sidelines owing to injury and has featured just 13 times in the EPL this term. He only recently returned after breaking his leg last December and is now believed to be set to undergo a scan to determine the severity of his latest issue. 

If Isak is unable to feature this afternoon, Slot will be left shorthanded in attack, with the outgoing Mo Salah also ruled out with a muscle strain and Hugo Ekitike sidelined for the foreseeable future after rupturing his Achilles tendon against PSG in April. 

As discussed in our Premier League predictions, Man United also have a few key players unavailable for this clash, including Lisandro Martinez (suspended) and Matthijs de Ligt (back), while Matheus Cunha and Luke Shaw are listed as doubts.

Still, the Red Devils are well-stocked in attacking areas, and the undoubted spearhead of their attack is Bruno Fernandes, who now has 19 league assists this season, just one shy of the all-time Premier League record set by Thierry Henry (2002-03) and Kevin De Bruyne (2019-20). 

United’s skipper has recorded a direct goal contribution in each of his last eight matches at home across all competitions and set up Harry Maguire for their dramatic winner against Liverpool at Anfield in the reverse fixture back in October last year. 

Most Premier League Assists in a Single Season

1. Thierry Henry (2002-03) - 20 assists
2. Kevin De Bruyne (2019-20) - 20 assists
3. Bruno Fernandes (2025-26) - 19 assists
4. Mesut Ozil (2015-16) - 19 assists
5. Mohamed Salah (2024-25) - 18 assists
6. Frank Lampard (2004-05) - 18 assists
7. Kevin De Bruyne (2016-17) - 18 assists 
8. Cesc Fabregas (2014-15) - 18 assists 

View our Man United vs. Liverpool prediction