Manchester United train ahead of crunch clash with Liverpool as Michael Carrick looks to offer advice to young players


  • Manchester United travel to Anfield on Sunday for a season-defining match against Liverpool 
  • The United players were in full flow during training on Friday, as they prepare to make the short journey west 
  • Michael Carrick has returned from injury and is ready to offer his advice as the oldest player in the squad 
  • The 33-year-old admits he is now hoping for a run of games after a 'nightmare season for me injury-wise'
Manchester United's first-team squad were in full flow at training on Friday, as they prepare for a season-defining clash at Liverpool.
The rivalry between the two clubs goes back a long way, but in terms of money, this Sunday's game is more important than most of the previous ties.
Louis van Gaal put his charges through their paces ahead of a game that could define their finishing position this season.
Antonio Valencia (left) fends off the challenge of Manchester United loanee Radamel Falcao during training at their Carrington base on Friday
Antonio Valencia (left) fends off the challenge of Manchester United loanee Radamel Falcao during training at their Carrington base on Friday
Angel di Maria may not start on Sunday
Juan Mata was Di Maria's replacement last week and he impressed
Louis van Gaal will have to decide whether to stick with Juan Mata (right) on Sunday, or revert to the previously suspended Angel di Maria (left)
There is no championship on the line, but instead fourth place and Champions League qualification rests heavily on this weekend's match. 
United currently sit fourth, two points ahead of Liverpool, and will hope to extend the gap to five points with a win at Anfield. 
Michael Carrick has recently returned from injury to regain his place in the starting line-up, and the oldest player in the United squad knows he must provide assistance to his team-mates. 
Manchester United boss Van Gaal (second left) speaks to Phil Jones (left) during the session, as Marouane Fellaini watches on
Manchester United boss Van Gaal (second left) speaks to Phil Jones (left) during the session, as Marouane Fellaini watches on
Defender Luke Shaw, signed from Southampton, takes part in a drill as United prepare for an important trip to Anfield at the weekend
Defender Luke Shaw, signed from Southampton, takes part in a drill as United prepare for an important trip to Anfield at the weekend
Friday's training session coincided with defender Marcos Rojo's 25th birthday... Ashley Young wished him a happy birthday on Instagram
Friday's training session coincided with defender Marcos Rojo's 25th birthday... Ashley Young wished him a happy birthday on Instagram
'There is a responsibility that comes with the experience you have,' he told United Review. 'There is a lot of experience within the squad and there is also a group of younger lads and you try to help them and give them advice at certain times.
'I'm not one to sit everyone down and discuss things; it’s more about giving advice and little pointers at different times.'
'It's good to be back and I feel fine,' he added, when asked about his fitness. 'Once you get back, you just want a run of games and hopefully I can get that.'
David de Gea dives to his right during the session; the goalkeeper's future at the club has been the subject of much speculation
David de Gea dives to his right during the session; the goalkeeper's future at the club has been the subject of much speculation
Marouane Fellaini brings the ball down as Jonny Evans watches on
Captain Wayne Rooney carries a look of concentration
Marouane Fellaini brings the ball down as Jonny Evans watches on (left) while captain Wayne Rooney carries a look of concentration (right)
Carrick missed the start of the season, before a run of games from December to January was halted by another injury.
He returned for United's game against Newcastle in March, and has impressed since.
'It's been a bit of a nightmare season for me injury-wise,' Carrick continued, 'and just at the time in my career where you’re getting a little bit older and you want to be playing as much as you can and enjoy your football. 
'I’ve had a good run over the years, though, and hopefully this is the only blip so I can bounce back and get a good run of fitness now.'
Falcao (right) tries to round Valencia during Friday's training session at Manchester United's Aon Training Complex in Carrington, Manchester
Falcao (right) tries to round Valencia during Friday's training session at Manchester United's Aon Training Complex in Carrington, Manchester
The players keep hydrated during the session as they prepare for their huge match
Reserve goalkeeper Victor Valdes makes a catch
The players keep hydrated during the session as they prepare for their huge match (left), and reserve keeper Victor Valdes makes a catch

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