Liverpool head coach Arne Slot gives Man United verdict under Michael Carrick

Manchester United interim head coach Michael Carrick has led the Reds to the cusp of Champions League qualification.

Liverpool head coach Arne Slot claims we are now seeing "how good Manchester United really are" as Michael Carrick looks to guide them to next season's Champions League. The Reds appointed Carrick on an interim basis after Ruben Amorim's outburst following the draw at Leeds.

Carrick was handed the chance to prove himself while United were given time to find a replacement. However, a combination of great results and a lack of alternatives has left Carrick in the driving seat for the permanent position. The Reds have won nine of the 13 games since he returned.

Meanwhile, potential candidates to replace Amorim, including Thomas Tuchel, have been unavailable. With Champions League qualification nearly guaranteed, Carrick is waiting to see if he will be kept on. In his pre-match press conference before facing United, Slot insisted he has seen improvements from the Reds.

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"Last season, their players were better than their league position suggested," he said. "After another transfer window, we can now see how good they really are. It might be a bit of an advantage that they only play once a week, but as I said before, when analysing them, I saw how good they are - and it's the same now. They’re more consistent in their results."

Earlier this season, Amorim masterminded a 2-1 victory for United at Anfield and should the Reds be victorious on Sunday they will secure Champions League football next season. However, Liverpool have their own aspirations of reaching the competition and a win for them would strengthen their case.

Slot added: "We are aware that it is a very big game. Not only because we play Man United, but to qualify for the Champions League and to get the highest possible league position.

"We wanted to win the league - that is not possible - so we are trying to finish as high as possible. A win [which could secure a top-five finish] is the right step forward.

"It is an important step, it is definitely not a step backwards."

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