- 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
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
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
'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
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
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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