Manchester United are closing in on a remarkable 2025/26 season with the best “Big Six” record in the Premier League—a stunning turnaround led by interim manager Michael Carrick. The former Red Devils midfielder has transformed a struggling side into a force to be reckoned with against England’s elite, and the club’s hierarchy is now seriously considering handing him the job on a permanent basis.
Carrick’s impact has been immediate and undeniable. Even if he doesn’t get the full-time role this summer, the Englishman can hold his head high knowing he has laid a solid foundation for United’s return to the top of English football. The recent 3-2 victory over Liverpool was the crowning moment of his tenure, sealing United’s place at the top of the “Big Six” standings and securing Champions League football after a two-year absence.
For Liverpool, the story couldn’t be more different. The Reds suffered their first league double at the hands of United in a decade, and despite still being on track for a top-four finish, they now hold the worst “Big Six” record this season—a stark contrast to the form that powered their title triumph just last year.
Manchester City remain United’s closest challengers in the mini-league. A win against Aston Villa in their final “Big Six” fixture could narrow the gap, but it won’t be enough to overtake their “noisy neighbours.” This marks a massive turnaround from last season, when United had the worst record against top-six rivals, winning just one of ten such games in 2024/25.
It’s not far-fetched to think United could have been in the title conversation if they’d shown the same consistency against bottom-half teams under Ruben Amorim. If they maintain this form against their biggest rivals next season, they’ll be one step closer to reclaiming their status as Kings of England.
Meanwhile, Aston Villa have emerged as the surprise package in the “Big Six” mini-league, displacing a struggling Tottenham Hotspur side. Villa have gone toe-to-toe with the best, proving they belong among the Premier League’s elite.