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 .
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 ' CLICK HERE for all the latest Manchester United news .