5 reasons Manchester United will beat Liverpool
By Matt English
2. Michael Carrick
Carrick has been a great feature of the United squad this season. The team seems a lot more secure with him in the side overall. He brings a sense of solidity as well as leadership to the pitch that all players look towards. Sitting just in front of the back line, he is often the one setting up attacks and is an outlet for defenders at all times.
More from Playing for 90
- Alexia Putellas reaches 400 games with Barcelona
- Everything you need to know ahead of the 250th ‘Super Clásico’
- Barcelona put five past Real Betis
- Manchester City suffer but come away with win over West Ham
- Baffling Liga MX ruling strips Puebla of a hard-earned victory
Playing as a deep-lying playmaker, Carrick can sit back and pitch in defensively when needed. It will be vital for him to pick up the late runs from players like Henderson and Lallana into the box. It will be a tough match for him to get the freedom he is used to.
A huge plus that Carrick brings to the squad is allowing his midfield partners to move forward. Herrera and Pogba have much more freedom with Carrick on the pitch. They can give forward support to Ibrahimovic and the other attackers, creating a deadly threat to any defense.
Liverpool will need to keep the pressure on the back line to make sure Carrick does not have too much time on the ball. Leaving him space can be disastrous, as he can pick a pass with pinpoint precision. He will be a big factor in the game and should be a key talking point in the dressing room for both teams.