Manchester United boss Michael Carrick faced the media ahead of Sunday's huge Premier League clash against Liverpool at Old Trafford (kick-off 15:30 BST), and he had plenty to say about team fitness, young talent, and the fierce rivalry that defines this fixture.
With just four games left in the season, Carrick confirmed the squad is in "good shape" and gave an encouraging update on two key players. He is "hopeful" that both Matheus Cunha and Luke Shaw could be available for the matchday squad, though defender Matthijs de Ligt is "a bit further away" from returning to action.
The boss was full of praise for 21-year-old Kobbie Mainoo, who recently signed a new five-year contract. "I've known him for quite some time, in different capacities. He epitomises this football club. He lives and breathes the club and he has come through with real talent," Carrick said. "The natural thing for him was to sign a new contract, so everyone is over the moon." Reflecting on their first conversation after his return to the club, Carrick added: "I wanted to understand what life had looked like for him over the past two or three years - the ups and downs, plus the challenging times. It was about letting him thrive and giving him the platform to be himself. He has evolved from that."
On veteran midfielder Casemiro, who continues to defy age at 34, Carrick attributed his longevity to "hard work and sacrifice." He explained: "When you cross the 30-mark, it's about trusting the player to know themselves. We're trying to play to his strengths now, if anything, and we have real trust in his experience. He knows what he's good at and what he can bring to this team."
When it comes to Sunday's showdown with long-standing rivals Liverpool, Carrick described it as a "privilege" to take charge at Old Trafford for such a fixture. While he didn't speculate on whether this would be the first of many such occasions for him in the dugout, he made no secret of what the game means. "It is a standout game, without a doubt. There are obviously rivalries that we have with other teams, but this one is right up there because of the history, the ups and downs, the entertainment and the emotions," he said. "It's a special opportunity."
As the Red Devils prepare to welcome their historic foes, fans will be hoping the squad's good shape and Carrick's tactical approach can deliver a memorable result in this storied rivalry.