Liverpool head down the M62 to face Man United, knowing a win against their great rivals would move them up to third in the Premier League.

Man United vs. Liverpool

Premier League (35) | Old Trafford
May 3, 2026 | 3.30pm (BST)

While defeats against Paris Saint-Germain and Man City in the cups were bitterly disappointing, Liverpool have begun to exhibit better form in the league.

Arne Slot‘s side have won their last three matches in the competition and a fourth consecutive victory, over Man United, would represent their longest winning streak in the league since September.

Liverpool can move above Man United

The two biggest teams in the country head into this game occupying third and fourth in the table.

While both sides have all but qualified for next season’s Champions League, the pressure is still on for the biggest game in English football.

A win for the visitors would take them above Man United and into third place on goal difference, but three points for Michael Carrick’s side would see them move six points clear of Liverpool.

Liverpool team news: Alisson is a doubt

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Freddie Woodman may have to retain his place in goal because Alisson had still not returned to training as of Friday.

Slot explained: “[He’s] very close to training with us. I have to hear today from medical staff if he’s able to train today, tomorrow or otherwise the start of next week.

“He’s very close, but we of course also don’t want to take any risk, because that’s never what you do with a player and that’s also what we do now.”

Starting XI prediction

With Hugo Ekitike missing and Mo Salah ruled out for the next couple of games as a minimum, Slot may use Jeremie Frimpong as his right winger.

Having not started last weekend, Ryan Gravenberch should come back in to play with Dominik Szoboszlai in midfield, while we would expect Florian Wirtz to retain his place in the side as he tries to build an on-field connection with Alexander Isak.

Milos Kerkez has had “some niggles” in training this week, said Slot, but he was back with the team on Friday.

Predicted LFC XI: Woodman; Jones, Konate, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Gravenberch, Szoboszlai; Frimpong, Wirtz, Gakpo; Isak

Man Utd’s improvement under Michael Carrick

Premier‌ League Form

Man‌chester United

Opponent Result Form Brentford (H) 2-1 W Chelsea (A) 0-1 W Leeds (H) 1-2 L Bournemouth (A) 2-2 D Aston Villa (H) 3-1 W

Note: Most recent matches (top to bottom). Correct as of May 1, 2026.

While Man United were showing signs of improvement under Ruben Amorim, they were still falling well below expectations in the first half of the season.

However, they are now playing their best football in years thanks to the appointment of interim boss Carrick, and they are on course to record a top-four finish after finishing the previous two campaigns in eighth and 15th.

In the 2024/25 season, Man United finished with 42 points to occupy 15th place, their lowest position since they were relegated from the top flight in 1973/74.

This season, they are 22 points better off than at the same stage of the previous campaign. Last season, after 34 games they had 39 points.

Man United team news

Matheus Cunha is the main topic of Man United‘s team news. Having missed Monday’s win over Brentford, Carrick said of the Brazilian: “Matheus has done a little bit of work so we’re hopeful. We’re not sure but we’re hopeful.”

Luke Shaw’s availability is in doubt, too, the coach explaining: “We aren’t sure if he will be ready, but we are hopeful.”

Meanwhile, Matthijs de Ligt is still out injured and Lisandro Martinez is serving the third match of his suspension after being sent off against Leeds.

How to watch Man United vs. Liverpool

Kicking off at 3.30pm (BST) on May 3, Man United vs. Liverpool will be broadcast on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League in the UK.

Over in the US, Peacock and Telemundo are showing the match, while Fubo TV and DAZN are the places to go if you are watching from Canada.

Alternatively, you can follow This Is Anfield‘s live coverage or find worldwide listings at Live Soccer TV.

A few stats you should know

This is the 218th meeting of the teams and the 186th in league football – all bar four of those have come in the top flight.

A Liverpool clean sheet on Sunday would mark the first time they have not conceded at Old Trafford in consecutive games since January 2002.

Unfortunately, Salah won’t be available to sink one last blow into Man United.

The Egyptian has scored more goals against them than he has against any other team, with 16 goals in 18 appearances – that is more than any player in the history of the fixture.

How Liverpool could secure top-five place against Man United?

Going into the weekend’s round of fixtures, it is possible for the Reds to secure a top-five finish against Man United, though this may not be the case come kick-off.

For Liverpool to wrap up Champions League qualification this weekend, they need to beat Man United while Brighton would have to drop points at Newcastle and Bournemouth drop points against Crystal Palace.

Last time we met

Liverpool won this fixture 3-0 last season in just the third match of Slot’s reign, before drawing the return game 2-2 at Anfield.

This season’s first clash with Man United was one to forget as the Red Devils won their first game at Anfield since 2016.

Liverpool had levelled through Cody Gakpo in the 78th minute, but just six minutes later, Harry Maguire headed in the winner after some particularly lax defending.

Who is the referee for Man United vs. Liverpool?

After recently being named as the referee for this year’s FA Cup final, Darren England is to take charge of Man United vs. Liverpool.

He will be assisted on the touchlines by Tim Wood and Akil Howson, as well as fourth official Anthony Taylor.

Meanwhile, Stuart Attwell will be the video assistant referee, with support from assistant VAR Constantine Hatzidakis, the linesman who elbowed Andy Robertson in the face back in 2023.

Follow the match with TIA

Man United vs. Liverpool is live on Sky Sports Main Event with kick-off at 3.30pm (BST).

TIA’s matchday live blog will be up and running from 2.45pm, with Harry McMullen tasked to keep you entertained and up-to-date.

Come on you Reds!

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A new mural of Andy Robertson has been spotted in Anfield, and it features a tribute to the Glaswegian’s friendship with Diogo Jota.

For some time there have been calls for Robertson to be the latest Liverpool legend to be honoured with a mural.

With the 32-year-old to leave the club this summer after nine fantastic years, he finally now has a mural dedicated to his Liverpool legacy.

It doesn’t depict just Robertson, though. Also on the painting is the Scotman’s late friend, Jota.

Shared by fan Brian Durand on X, the mural features Robertson stood up right, as well as a picture of him hugging Jota, the No. 20 prevalent on his shirt.

Also on the wall are Robertson’s words: “I nicknamed him Diogo MacJota. We often joked he was Irish. So genuine, just normal and real.”

The painting is by the Flat Iron pub and visible from Anfield Road, located around the corner from a mural dedicated to Jota and his late brother, Andre Silva.

Robertson was one of Jota’s closest friends at Liverpool and attended his wedding just two weeks before he died.

Liverpool’s left-back paid tribute his teammate: “He was such a good guy, the best, so genuine, just normal and real.

“Full of love for the people he cared about, full of fun. He was the most British foreign player I’ve ever met.

“We used to joke he was really Irish… I’d try to claim him as Scottish, obviously. I even called him Diogo MacJota.

“We’d watch the darts together, enjoy the horse racing. Going to Cheltenham this season was a highlight – one of the best we had.

“The last time I saw him was the happiest day of his life – his wedding day. I want to remember his never-ceasing smile from that magical day. How much he was bursting with love for his wife and family.

“I can’t believe we’re saying goodbye. It’s too soon and it hurts so much, but thank you for being in my life, mate, and for making it better.

“Love you, Diogo.”

We will have more details and photos of the mural once it is fully complete and unveiled.

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Virgil van Dijk was present to watch Liverpool U18s lose 2-1 to Middlesbrough in their final home match of the season, as Prince Cisse was forced off with a head injury.

Liverpool U18s 1-2 Middlesbrough U18s

U18 Premier League, Kirkby Academy
May 2, 2026

Goals: O’Connor 90+2′; Tika-Lemba 3′, Smith 26′

Liverpool U18s’ last home game of the campaign followed a familiar pattern, as defensive mistakes cost the Reds despite some promising attacking performances.

Simon Wiles gave goalkeeper Matty Wright his first U18 Premier League start, the coach playing a young side that featured 16-year-olds Isaac Konde and Erik Farkas.

The afternoon started in nightmare fashion for left-back Harvey Owen, whose slip allowed Ezra Tika-Lemba in to finish powerfully across the goalkeeper just two minutes after kick-off.

Tyler Smith then scored an even more impressive goal, 26 minutes in, curling into the top corner beautifully with his weaker right foot, from the edge of the box.

Between the strikes, Liverpool suffered a blow as Dijbril Cisse’s son, promising defender Prince Cisse, was forced off after receiving an elbow to the head during an aerial duel with Lucca Kazi Kakai.

The versatile Alvin Ayman, who signed from Wolves in 2024, was Wiles’ chosen replacement.

Joe Bradshaw, playing up front for the afternoon, was Liverpool’s biggest threat. He narrowly missed the target in the first half, as did Ollie O’Connor whose effort was deflected by opposite full-back Smith.

The U18s Premier League action is underway at Kirkby Academy ??

A chance to go level after the visitors took an early lead – Watch #LFCU18s live: https://t.co/3HqlDZqzaC ? pic.twitter.com/zZbzMjifES

— The LFC Academy (@LFCAcademyX) May 2, 2026

Half time: Liverpool U18 0-2 Middlesbrough U18s

The Reds improved after the break as their young substitutes made an impact.

La’more Lee Forrester came on to drive at opposition defenders, while Charlie Huth and Zac Coxon were awarded their under-18 debuts.

Coxon, in particular, stood out on the right. He should have had an assist to his name, thanks to a brilliant cross that Lee Forrester somehow headed well over the bar despite being unmarked in the middle of the box.

Lee Forrester and Coxon continued to cause problems into injury time and Liverpool pulled one back in the 92nd minute through O’Connor, who clinically finished a rebound following his teammate’s run and shot.

All three U18 Premier League debutants gave a good account of themselves; Wright made a fantastic save late on as he scrambled across his line to keep out what seemed a tap-in for Lucas Harrison.

Just one game remains for Liverpool U18s this season: a trip to Derby next Saturday. A win would mean they finish seventh or eighth in the 14-team table.

Liverpool U18s: M. Wright; O’Connor, Cisse (Ayman 18′ (Lee Forrester 64′)), Clarke, Owen; Murray-Holme, Upton; Hickman, Konde (Huth 70′), Farkas; Bradshaw (Coxon 75′)

Subs not used: Hilditch

Next Match: Derby U18s (A) – U18 Premier League – Saturday, May 9, 12pm (BST)

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As Mohamed Salah‘s Liverpool farewell approaches, Jurgen Klopp and a host of former teammates have sent tributes his way.

Salah will bring the curtain down on his iconic Liverpool career later this month and should thankfully be fit to face Brentford on the final day of the season.

The 33-year-old is undisputedly among the Reds’ best players of all time, so it is only natural that a lot of love is heading in his direction.

In a touching video from Sky Sports, a host of legendary figures have sent their wishes to Salah, including Klopp, whose message was typically heartfelt.

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“I never thought I would have to do a video like this because I never thought about Liverpool without Mo Salah,” Klopp said.

“But everything comes to an end and, in an ideal world, the best stories end with a happy end, and I’m pretty sure you had a happy end.

“You leave with a smile on your face, you leave loved by so many people, you leave with the best memories you could have collected over the years…

“Without you, nothing would have happened in my nine years at Liverpool, so thanks for that, best of luck for absolutely everything that will come up in your life.”

Meanwhile, Klopp sent another touching message Salah’s way in an interview with Steven Gerrard on TNT Sports:

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“It was my pleasure and absolute honour to work with you. It was a pleasure as well. Not every minute, but most of the time. And you remember when we came together, I said, let’s create a special story and let’s make sure that when we see each other in 10, 15, 20 years time and look back, we cannot avoid a smile.”

“And I have that smile when I think of all the time together. And yeah, just super happy and thankful that I was part of the whole journey for a while and all the best for all what’s coming up.”

“There are still a few good years to come and yeah, have a great time together… So enjoy. See you. Bye!”

Klopp was far from the only person sending their love, though, with Alisson and Andy Robertson among his current Liverpool teammates showing their appreciation.

Ex-colleagues James Milner, Jordan Henderson and Trent Alexander-Arnold paid tribute to the legendary attacker, too, as did Reds legend Robbie Fowler.

Even Man City‘s Pep Guardiola and Erling Haaland said their bit, as well as former Chelsea winger Eden Hazard.

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“I’ve always said Stevie’s the No. 1, but I would put them both in the No. 1 spot now for sure.”

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“To compete with him have been amazing and I’m lucky to have his shirt at home.”

Erling Haaland
Erling Haaland reflects on Salah’s impact against Man City.

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“He was a headache. Salah, Robertson, all these players deserve my huge respect.”

Pep Guardiola
Pep Guardiola says Liverpool, including Salah, has been his biggest rival.

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“On the pitch a killer. Someone who you can give the ball to and within a moment the ball can be in the back of your net.”

Declan Rice
Declan Rice speaks about what a nightmare it was to play against Salah.

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“It was an absolute pleasure to play against you, to play with you also.”

Eden Hazard
Eden Hazard reflects on Salah as an opponent and teammate.

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“Thank you my friend for all the memories, all the achievements and all the trophies you make me win.”

Alisson
Alisson thanks Salah for helping Liverpool to so many major trophies.

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“I know you like to change your phone numbers all the time, but I hope I’m one of the few players who you could give a message when you change it!”

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“As time went on, his confidence grew and the mentality around that was really where I seen him set himself apart from everyone.”

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“I’ve took so much from you. You’ve gave me some of the highest highs of my life.”

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“His attitude and application immediately was at the level. It was like he had a big, big, big point to prove.”

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“The effort levels he put in, the hours he put in to be the best in every single way, nutrition in the gym, on the training field working on his finishing.”

A tribute to sum up the brilliance of Mo Salah

To hear so many football greats say such special things about Salah, from colleagues to opponents, shows what a remarkable footballer he has been.

In 2017 when he joined, to be told that he would become Liverpool’s third-highest goalscorer of all time would have seemed impossible, but he has produced a stunning level of quality and consistency.

For all Salah’s world-class talent, the video makes it clear that he is also a special person, proving to be a magnificent poster boy for Liverpool over the past nine years.

He is going to leave a gaping void when he leaves, both on and off the pitch, and he will hopefully receive one of the great send-offs later this month.

Salah certainly justifies such acclaim!

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Mo Salah has requested that Jordan Henderson receive the “farewell he deserved,” when Liverpool play Brentford on the final day of the season.

Liverpool’s last game of the campaign will be Henderson’s first return to the Anfield turf since he left in the summer of 2023.

Unlike several players who flourished during the Jurgen Klopp era, the surprise nature of Henderson’s departure meant he didn’t receive a big Anfield goodbye.

“He didn’t get that send-off or farewell he deserved, because he left immediately,” Salah told TNT Sports.

“People in the city know how much it meant to Hendo also, being here captain of the club for 12 years, more than me, more than Virg, more than anyone.”

Henderson left Liverpool for £12 million in 2023 when he joined Al-Ettifaq, where Steven Gerrard was manager.

The captain had become less of a regular in the side, starting on 29 occasions in 2022/23 as opposed to 43 times across the previous campaign.

Henderson didn’t want to become a squad player and, with a lucrative offer from Saudi Arabia, he made the surprise move that would last just six months before signing for Ajax.

Now, with Henderson back in the Premier League, Salah wants the club to make the most of a day on which he and Andy Robertson will be the centre of attention as they close the curtain on nine years at Anfield.

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Salah continued:

“I don’t know how the club is going to manage it, I have no plan, I don’t know how the supporters will also manage it.

“But I really wish they do something special for him because he’s been one of the best players in this club and, without him and being there in the dressing room, we wouldn’t have achieved what we achieved.

“So I really hope the fans will give him a good send-off.

“I really hope so because again, he’s somebody you guys maybe not in the dressing room don’t know much what’s going on there.

“You (speaking to Steven Gerrard) are aware of that. You played with him, you know how much he is passionate and he loves the club, so I really wish the club would do something for him and the fans can do something special for him, because this is Liverpool and we do it this way.”

Jordan Henderson found Liverpool exit “really difficult”

Henderson is one of four ex-Liverpool players in the Brentford squad, the others being Caoimhin Kelleher, Fabio Carvalho and Sepp van den Berg.

Of course, the latter two didn’t have a big impact, but Henderson and Kelleher are remembered fondly – and the former captain found his exit difficult.

Speaking in October, Henderson was brutally honest about his departure and even compared it to a break-up:

“Leaving Liverpool itself was huge and really difficult and at any point it was going to be hard because it had been my life for so long and then it is just gone like that…so I have struggled for a period after that.

“No, I couldn’t watch a lot of games, I certainly couldn’t watch Liverpool. I didn’t watch a lot of Premier League stuff then… probably picked the right place for that, I was half way around the world!

“Yeah, it was tough but when you leave Liverpool because I was there for so long because I had such an attachment and I dedicated a large part of my life there, when I left I found it really difficult and I suppose whatever I did or wherever I went.

“I don’t know what it felt like, it felt like a break-up, it was just difficult and I think if you asked a lot of players when they left a club, not just Liverpool but when you have been at a club for so long and you have that attachment to them whether you retire or move on.

“I think for a period of time that was hard but within time things change, you move on but I would say that was probably the most difficult time.”

Given Henderson’s contribution to the club, we would expect him to get a warm reception at Anfield. Now, at Salah’s request, the onus is on the club and the Kop to make it a day to remember.

It will be a real changing of the guard.

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Liverpool will look to replace Mohamed Salah with a winger who complements Alexander Isak, Arne Slot has explained.

The Reds are on the lookout for their Salah successor, with the Egyptian now in his final weeks at Anfield.

The likes of Yan Diomande and Anthony Gordon continue to be mentioned as options, but dream target Michael Olise is highly unlikely to be a realistic target.

Speaking to media including the Liverpool Echo, Slot outlined Liverpool’s plan to replace Salah, saying that whoever comes in needs to get the best out of record signing Isak.

“[Getting the most from Isak] is definitely part of thinking about the [Salah] replacement,” Slot said.

“Because since I have been here – and it is the same at a lot of clubs – it is mainly a left footer on the right and a right footer on the left.

“I have seen Alex scoring also a lot from crosses which were played from the right, right-footed, Trent Alexander-Arnold crosses, if you want to call them like that.

“So that is definitely part of how we are looking at things, but we try to sign the best possible available player who we can afford.

“Something else which also happens at certain clubs is: ‘OK, that is the best player in the world in that position, let’s try and get him.’

“That is not how we work, we try and sign the best possible player who is available for us.”

Slot’s previous comments on Jacob Murphy and Isak

In terms of reports, Diomande is said to the top target; a hugely exciting talent, who at just 19, has scored 12 goals and bagged seven assists in the Bundesliga this season.

The Ivorian is right-footed and capable of playing on either flank, which may appeal to Slot, who could use him on the right-hand side to deliver quality to Isak.

Earlier this season, Slot said it was “definitely on my list of things to improve, getting our No. 9 more involved in the game” and namechecked Jacob Murphy as having the relationship with Isak at Newcastle.

“We don’t have the profile of Jacob Murphy,” said Slot.

He added: “Alex could benefit maybe from a Conor Bradley or a Jeremie Frimpong type of player, who goes outside, instead of both wingers we have who come inside and full-backs who can come in with crosses.”

Whoever comes in, it is vital that Liverpool take their time and make the right choice, replacing Salah is going to be an unenviable task on and off the pitch.

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