Matheus Cunha and Luke Shaw remain doubts for Manchester United’s Premier League clash with Liverpool on Sunday, Michael Carrick confirmed.
Cunha was forced to sit out United’s 2-1 win over Brentford due to a hip flexor issue, while Shaw was withdrawn midway through the second half after picking up a knock.
Pictures on Thursday showed Cunha back in first-team training, but Carrick said that the Brazilian, as well as Shaw, still have work to do to prove their fitness ahead of Sunday’s game at Old Trafford.
Speaking in his pre-match press conference on Friday, Carrick said: ‘We’re in good shape really. Matheus has done a little bit of work, so we’re hopeful. We’re not sure but we’re hopeful.’
On Shaw, he added: ‘With Luke [Shaw], we aren’t sure if he will be ready but we are hopeful.’
Elsewhere, Matthijs de Ligt remains sidelined with his long-standing back issue, while Patrick Dorgu could be in line to feature after returning to the matchday squad against Brentford for the first time since January.
Earlier on Friday, Liverpool boss Arne Slot confirmed that his side will be without Mohamed Salah, but will make a late call on goalkeeper Alisson.
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Since arriving as interim head coach, Carrick has reeled off wins against Manchester City, Arsenal and Chelsea, and can now secure United’s spot in next season’s Champions League with another big scalp on Sunday.
‘It’s certainly always been one of my favourite games, without a doubt. It is a standout game,’ he said.
‘There are obviously big games and rivalries that we have with other teams, but this one is certainly right up there because of the history, the ups and downs this match-up has produced in the past, the entertainment and the emotion. All of those things make it a really special game.
‘When I think about this game, the first thing that comes to mind is that air of competition really, irrespective of league positions over the years.
‘Things like that have never changed the emotion of the players and the supporters. I also really appreciate what it means to them.’
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