Jamie Carragher tells Liverpool to forget another Man Utd rout: ‘Just win’

Jamie Carragher has urged Liverpool to focus on beating Manchester United rather than expecting another emphatic victory when Mauricio Pochettino takes charge at Anfield.

The former Liverpool defender does not expect United’s new manager to transform their performances immediately. But he believes memories of Liverpool’s biggest wins over their rivals can create unrealistic expectations.

The sides meet on Sunday 22 November, with kick-off at 4.30pm, in Pochettino’s first match as United head coach.

Jamie Carragher’s message to Liverpool

Speaking on The Overlap Daily on Friday, Carragher reflected on Liverpool supporters’ desire to repeat the commanding victories of recent years.

Liverpool have beaten United 7-0, 5-0 and 4-0, but Carragher warned against treating those exceptional results as the standard for this fixture.

“Just win the game,” he said.

His priority is three points, rather than the margin of victory. He also acknowledged that United have made recent visits to Anfield difficult for Liverpool.

Why Carragher expects limited change under Pochettino

Carragher’s assessment of United centred on the preparation time available to their new manager.

Pochettino is completing his final international window with the United States before starting work at Old Trafford. Players returning from international duty will further limit his opportunities to work with the squad before Anfield.

Carragher suggested that changes to formation or individual positions were possible, but questioned how much deeper improvement could be achieved so quickly.

He also acknowledged that players might respond to a new voice and the opportunity to impress another manager.

Pochettino has discussed his hopes of speaking with Sir Alex Ferguson after finishing his USA commitments.

Liverpool’s own form remains a concern

Carragher’s caution extended to Andoni Iraola’s side.

“Liverpool aren’t amazing at the moment,” he said, while arguing that their general performance against Arsenal had been encouraging despite their lack of a shot on target.

He felt a similar level of energy, backed by the Anfield crowd, would give Liverpool a strong chance of winning.

That leaves his message straightforward: United’s difficulties do not guarantee a comfortable afternoon, and Liverpool should concentrate on securing the result.

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