Sky Sports pundit Paul Merson has underlined the importance of Michael Carrick including one Manchester United star in his team pick against Liverpool on Sunday.
Michael Carrick will return to the Old Trafford dugout at the weekend, as the 44-year-old Manchester United legend enters his final four matches in charge now.
The Man Utd interim boss has had a transformative impact at Old Trafford since January, including the Red Devils climbing into the Premier League top four.
United are three points clear of defending Premier League champions Liverpool ahead of their showdown with Arne Slot’s men on Sunday afternoon.
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Paul Merson on the importance of Matheus Cunha for Michael Carrick in his Man Utd vs Liverpool prediction
Speaking in his Sportskeeda column, Paul Merson singled out why Matheus Cunha needs to be available for selection for Manchester United for Sunday’s clash.
Matheus Cunha was absent for Man Utd’s 2-1 Premier League win over Brentford at Old Trafford on Monday evening after he was ruled out of action due to a hip issue.
Michael Carrick hinted ahead of United vs Brentford that Cunha’s injury was not a major problem and the Brazilian forward could return for the Liverpool showdown.
“Manchester United will need Matheus Cunha to return to the line-up for this game,” Merson said.
“He’s been outstanding this season. I don’t think he gets the credit he deserves. I had my doubts about him replicating the form he showed at Wolves after he joined United, but he has been excellent.”
Merson predicted that the third-place Red Devils and fourth-place Liverpool would share the points at Old Trafford, with the Arsenal legend backing a 2-2 draw.
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Paul Merson on Man Utd ace Bruno Fernandes challenging for the Premier League Player of the Season award
Bruno Fernandes has become a strong contender for the Player of the Season award after his run of form in the second half of the 2025-26 Premier League season.
Despite the Man Utd captain’s strong showing under Carrick, Merson feels that Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice should scoop the prize ahead of Fernandes.
“Bruno Fernandes has also played extremely well this season,” Merson said.
“But when it comes to the Player of the Year award, we must not ignore the fact that he only plays once a week.
“You look at Declan Rice and see the number of games he has played this season. Rice has never lost in the Champions League this season either.
“Don’t get me wrong, Fernandes is terrific and I like him as a player. I won’t be surprised if Fernandes won the award, but I just feel Rice has done it for a longer time across competitions.”
Portugal midfielder Fernandes has netted eight times and registered a superb 19 assists in 31 Premier League matches in the 2025-26 campaign at Old Trafford.
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