Michael Carrick has insisted that Manchester United's current league position will have no bearing on their clash with rivals Liverpool next weekend.

The Red Devils are sixth in the standings, while visiting Liverpool are second.

However, United's 32-year-old midfielder has claimed that form counted for little when United were above the Reds in previous campaigns and it's the same this time around.

"It's Liverpool next and that's a big one. Regardless of where both teams are in the league it's an important fixture," he told the club's official website.

"In recent times, with this rivalry, we've been on top of them in the league and it's the other way around at the moment, but I don't think league places affect the game.

"We'd say it if we're top of the table that form goes out of the window against Liverpool, it counts for very little, and that's the case now. It should be a good game and we're all looking forward to it."

Liverpool have lost on their previous six visits to Old Trafford.