Gary Neville makes early Man United vs Liverpool prediction and names what Arne Slot simply cannot 'afford'

Gary Neville has claimed that Liverpool’s clash against fierce foes Manchester United is ‘massive for both managers’ rather than what is at stake for both clubs.

The Reds travel to Old Trafford on Sunday hoping that they can claim back the bragging rights after suffering a 2-1 loss at Anfield earlier in the season.

Liverpool have been the dominant force over their great rivals for the best part of a decade, having won two Premier League titles and the Champions League and become England’s most successful club. But this campaign, United are on track to finish above Liverpool. A 2-1 win over Brentford on Monday night moved United three points clear of Liverpool in third spot.

Michael Carrick has earned rave reviews since replacing Ruben Amorim in the Old Trafford hot seat, with growing calls he should land the job permanently. Meanwhile, Liverpool head coach Arne Slot finds himself under pressure among Kopites given how lacklustre the title defence has been.

And Neville reckons that both Slot and Carrick cannot afford an ‘embarrassment’ as it may significantly impact their respective futures. Speaking on The Gary Neville Podcast, the ex-Manchester United captain said: “This is a massive game for the fans, first and foremost. But I think this is massive for both managers. This is massive for Michael Carrick and big for Arne Slot.

“I don't think either of them can afford an embarrassment on Sunday. A win for either would be very big, it would give them both confidence. Question marks over whether both are going to be at their [respective] clubs next season. Is Michael going to get the job, is Arne Slot going to be kept on? Those questions keep appearing on the Liverpool manager.

“The game itself, in terms of jeopardy and what is at stake, I actually don't think it's that important for either team. I think they’ll both get into the CL but for both managers, it's a serious game. A serious game seeing themselves against a big rival for next season, a big rival generally. The Michael Carrick and Arne Slot sort of, what will be, face-off is the big thing about Sunday. It's a bigger game for both managers than what is at stake in terms of positions in the league.”

Neville has suggested that United and Liverpool may take a more cautious approach in terms of the tactics that are deployed. He added: “You’ll see a more tighter, compact Manchester United than you saw in the first half [against Brentford]. He will definitely get them a lot more switched on defensively and it will be a case of not making mistakes and making Liverpool nervous.

“Liverpool will not want to be opened up. It could be more of a game of chess. It could be more of a challenging struggle of a game where both managers will be cautious, not necessarily the teams they pick but instruct them to be defensively compact and solid.”